Catalog Archive
Auction 122, Lot 611

"Russiae, Moscoviae et Tartariae Descriptio…", Ortelius, Abraham

Subject: Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia

Period: 1570 (circa)

Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
17.3 x 13.6 inches
43.9 x 34.5 cm
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Fascinating map of Russia and the former Soviet republics from the surveys of the English merchant and adventurer, Anthony Jenkinson, in 1562. Jenkinson was leader of the Muscovy Company's first expedition to Russia and the first European to travel widely throughout the region. Ortelius' map replicates much of the detail and decoration found on the original Jenkinson map complete with extensive notations, illustrations of Cossacks, camels, encampments, armies, and a curious burial scene where the dead are hung from trees. A vignette of Ivan the Terrible appears at top left. Latin text and page number 46 on verso, placing this as an early edition.

References: Van den Broecke #162.

Condition: B

A good impression on a sheet with marginal damage, repairs and worming, none of which affects the map, except light damp stain in bottom corners.

Estimate: $1,200 - $1,600

Sold for: $1,000

Closed on 12/5/2007

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