Catalog Archive
Auction 101, Lot 458

"Africae Tabula Nova", Ortelius, Abraham

Subject: Africa

Period: 1608 (circa)

Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.7 x 14.7 inches
50 x 37.3 cm
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Striking continental map designed by Ortelius from elements of contemporary maps by Gastaldi, Mercator, and Forlani. It is considered a cornerstone map for African collections. The name Carneca appears for the first time, and Zanzibar is shown on the west coast. The Nile is based on the Ptolemaic concept. The map is decorated with a strapwork title cartouche, a grand sea battle, swordfish and a whale. There is no sign of the so-called ghost-like sea monster off the coast of Arabia, and the right letters in the title have all joined as a result of the plate cracks. Italian text on verso, making this most likely from the 1608 edition. RESERVE $1,500.

References: Norwich #10; Van den Broecke #8.

Condition: A

Good impression and coloring on thick paper with wide margins. Marginal soiling and old repair at top center. A few short tears in margin.

Estimate: $1,600 - $1,800

Sold for: $1,500

Closed on 12/4/2002

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