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

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 on verso.

References: Van den Broecke #162.

Condition: B

Original color on watermarked paper with printer's ink residue and a few minor spots. There are several cracks caused by the oxidation of the green pigment which have been reinforced with tissue on verso. There is a professionally repaired centerfold separation that enters 1" into map at bottom and a few short repaired tears in blank margins.