Catalog Archive
Auction 137, Lot 688

"Terra Sancta quae in Sacris Terra Promissionis ol: Palestina", Mercator/Hondius

Subject: Holy Land

Period: 1619 (published)

Publication: Atlas sive Cosmographicae Meditationes

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.5 x 14 inches
49.5 x 35.6 cm
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East is at the top of this striking map of the Holy Land. The land is shown divided into the Twelve Tribes and is centered on Samaria. This map is based on Ortelius' map of the region from 1570, which in turn was based on Peter Laicksteen's wall map describing his 1566 visit to the Holy Land. The Dead Sea has four cities shown burning within it: Sodoma, Gomorra, Adama and Seboim. The Mediterranean Sea is enlivened with a depiction of Jonah being cast out of the ship and into the waiting jaws of the whale. The map is adorned with two strapwork cartouches. French text on verso.

References: Laor #494.

Condition: A

Strong impression with centerfold separations at top and bottom that have been expertly repaired. A tear in upper-right corner that just touches neatline has also been expertly repaired, with a minute amount of neatline in facsimile.

Estimate: $600 - $750

Sold for: $450

Closed on 9/14/2011

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