Catalog Archive
Auction 146, Lot 643

Elaborate Map of the Holy Land, Illustrating the Life of Abraham

"Abrahami Patriarchae Peregrinatio, et Vita", Ortelius, Abraham

Subject: Holy Land

Period: 1602 (published)

Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
18.3 x 14 inches
46.5 x 35.6 cm
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Ortelius designed, and probably also engraved this beautiful Holy Land map. It details the wanderings and life of the Patriarch Abraham. The map is displayed as though on a banner hung on a wall; it shows Palestine and a portion of Egypt, inset with a small map of the Middle East from the Mediterranean to the Euphrates River. The imaginative design includes an elaborately engraved frame containing twenty-two scenes illustrating the life of Abraham, spanning his departure from Ur to his death. This is from the second plate, which was used from 1590-1624. German text on verso.

References: Laor #547; Van den Broecke #183.

Condition: B+

Watermarked paper with original color that has been partially refreshed. There is light toning and a few small cracks that have been archivally reinforced.

Estimate: $3,000 - $3,750

Sold for: $2,200

Closed on 9/4/2013

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