Catalog Archive
Auction 150, Lot 547

"Insularum Aliquot Maris Mediterranei Descriptio", Ortelius, Abraham

Subject: Mediterranean Islands

Period: 1579 (published)

Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
18.8 x 14.3 inches
47.8 x 36.3 cm
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This is the first state of this splendid composite of six maps of the major islands in the Mediterranean: Sardinia, Sicily, Corfu, Djerba, Elba, and Malta. Each map is beautifully engraved and embellished with a variety of ships including a sinking ship off the coast of Malta where Saint Paul was supposed to have shipwrecked. Latin text on verso.

References: Van den Broecke #141.

Condition: A

A nice impression with attractive color on watermarked paper with a couple of unobtrusive spots in the title cartouche and marginal soiling.

Estimate: $850 - $1,000

Sold for: $600

Closed on 9/17/2014

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