Catalog Archive
Auction 149, Lot 552

"Italiae Veteris Specimen", Ortelius, Abraham

Subject: Italy

Period: 1584 (dated)

Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.3 x 13.7 inches
49 x 34.8 cm
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Ortelius based this map on Gastaldi's map with the additional cartography from classical sources, namely Virgilius, Plinius, Aelianus, Aethicus, Strabo, Polybius and Varro. The map is beautifully rendered with two cartouches and a decorative plinth with "Italia" at top and bearing a medallion of a female warrior and wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, founders of Rome. The seas are stipple-engraved, and the map extends to include the Adriatic Sea, Corsica and northern Sardinia. This is the second state with French text on verso, published in 1587.

References: Van den Broecke #204.

Condition: B+

Nice impression and color on watermarked paper with light printer's ink residue and faint damp stains in bottom corners. There is a short tear along centerfold in top border that has been professionally repaired.

Estimate: $1,100 - $1,300

Sold for: $550

Closed on 5/21/2014

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