Catalog Archive
Auction 133, Lot 470

"Portugalliae que olim Lusitania, Novissima & Exactissima Descriptio Auctore Vernando Alvaro Secco", Ortelius, Abraham

Subject: Portugal

Period: 1584 (published)

Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
20 x 13.3 inches
50.8 x 33.8 cm
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This is one of the earliest and most beautiful maps of Portugal. It is oriented with north to the right and richly adorned with two large cartouches, sailing ships and a very devilish-looking sea monster. The map is based on Fernando Alvarez Secco's map of 1560. The cartouche at bottom contains a dedication to Cardinal Camerlengo, Guido Ascanius Sfortia, from Secco that enumerates the great achievements of Portugal. This is from the first copper plate from the Latin edition of 1584.

References: Van den Broecke #26.

Condition: A+

A fine example with a sharp impression and wide original margins. There are two tiny worm holes along centerfold, still fine.

Estimate: $475 - $550

Sold for: $800

Closed on 9/1/2010

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