Catalog Archive
Auction 111, Lot 11

"[Lot of 5] Typus Orbis Terrarum [and] America [and] Europa [and] Africa [and] Asia", Ortelius/Coignet

Subject: World & Continents

Period: 1609 (published)

Publication: Epitome theatri orbis terrarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
4.7 x 3.1 inches
11.9 x 7.9 cm
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A superb set of miniature maps engraved by the brothers Ambrose and Ferdinand Arsenius who had been assistants to Frans Hogenburg and co-engravers of Ortelius' folio Theatrum. The rectangular world map, on Mercator's projection, depicts the large southern continent and is enclosed in a wide border marking the degrees of latitude and longitude. A notation in North America notes its discovery by Christopher Columbus in 1492. The Americas map is enclosed in a handsome strapwork border. Each map is beautifully engraved with stippled seas, sea monsters, ships and tiny animals throughout the interiors. This series of maps was accompanied by text by Michel Coignet and was published by Jan B. Vrients. Latin text on verso.

References: World - Shirley #230 and King (1st), p. 75; Asia - King, p. 74; America - Burden #143.

Condition: A

Original color with slight oxidation and some minor spots in margins.

Estimate: $3,000 - $3,500

Sold for: $2,750

Closed on 6/8/2005

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