Catalog Archive
Auction 146, Lot 820

"[2 Volumes] Notitia Orbis Antiqui, sive Geographia Plenior, ab Ortu Rerumpublicarum ad Constantinorum... [and] Notitiae Orbis Antiqui, sive Geographiae Plenioris Tomus Alter Asiam et Africam Antiquam...", Cellarius, Christophorus

Subject: Atlases - Ancient

Period: 1701-06 (published)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
7 x 9.4 inches
17.8 x 23.9 cm
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This lot is composed of 2 volumes of Cellarius’ atlas of ancient geography. Volume I consists of two parts (63 pp. and 1269 pp. respectively) and contains 18 out of the 20 issued maps focused on ancient Europe. Volume II appears to be complete and also consists of two parts (889 pp. and 254 pp. respectively), containing 13 maps featuring Asia and Africa. Each of the maps measures approximately 12 x 8".

Volume I also contains a frontispiece of Cellarius, an additional plate, and the world map Veteris Orbis Climata ex Strabone, which divided the ancient world into seven climatic zones. The map is nicely composed in a semi-circular projection with a ribbon banner-style title and eight wind heads. At top is a wonderful vignette of the mythological wind god Aiolos whose mountain prison constrained the Winds.

Christoph Cellarius was a German classics scholar and is noted for popularizing the Ancient-Medieval-Modern division of history. His atlases were enormously popular and were issued in various editions until the early 19th century. Octavo, rebound in contemporary vellum.

References:

Condition: B

Text and maps are in good to satisfactory condition with moderate to heavy toning and foxing. The map of Palestine also has a 1" binding tear at left. Covers and spine are bumped and rubbed with small chips in spines on both volumes.

Estimate: $1,300 - $1,600

Unsold

Closed on 9/4/2013

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