Catalog Archive
Auction 137, Lot 507

"Angliae Regni Florentissimi Nova Descriptio, Auctore Humfredo Lhuyd Denbygiense", Ortelius, Abraham

Subject: England & Wales

Period: 1573 (dated)

Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
18.5 x 15 inches
47 x 38.1 cm
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Stunning map of England and Wales compiled from Mercator's 1564 wall map of the British Isles and Lhuyd's manuscript map of 1568. The countryside is fully engraved with topographical features and hundreds of towns. This map improved on Mercator's outline of the countries particularly in Cardigan and South Wales, the Devon peninsula, and the Wash and Humber inlets. Interestingly the Caernarvon peninsula, near Lhuyd's hometown of Denbigh, is badly distorted and it has been suggested that this may be due to his sketching it from one of the nearby mountains. Sea monsters and five sailing ships occupy the stipple engraved oceans. A flock of sheep is shown in Ireland and there are two large, elaborate cartouches. Dated 1573 in the cartouche and published in the Latin edition of 1592.

References: Van den Broecke #19.2; Shirley (BI) #100.

Condition: B+

Watermarked paper with a hint of toning along centerfold, and a centerfold separation at bottom that enters 1/2" into map image and has been closed on verso with old paper. Minor soiling in blank margins.

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300

Sold for: $500

Closed on 9/14/2011

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