Catalog Archive
Auction 131, Lot 504

"Britannicarum Insularum Typus", Ortelius, Abraham

Subject: Britain

Period: 1595 (dated)

Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
20 x 14.2 inches
50.8 x 36.1 cm
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Handsome map of Roman Britain based on information from Mercator's 1564 map of the British Isles, improved by a new outline from Saxton's 1579 map, and ancient knowledge from Diodorus, Siculus, Plinius, Appianus, Tacitus, Cæsar and Strabo. The map is filled with ancient place names, Hadrian's Wall, and Wall of Pius (mislabeled Severi Imp. Murus). Richly embellished with three large strapwork cartouches and several sailing vessels. Latin text on verso, from the 1601 edition.

References: Shirley (BI to 1650) #186, plt. 71; Van den Broecke #192.

Condition: B+

Dark impression with some printer's ink smudges in the border. There are a few minor spots within the map, else very good.

Estimate: $950 - $1,200

Sold for: $650

Closed on 3/17/2010

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