Catalog Archive
Auction 160, Lot 538

"Portugalliae que olim Lusitania, Novissima & Exactissima Descriptio, Auctore Vernando Alvaro Secco", Ortelius, Abraham

Subject: Portugal

Period: 1592 (published)

Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
20.1 x 13.3 inches
51.1 x 33.8 cm
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This is one of the earliest and most beautiful maps of Portugal. It is oriented with north to the right and richly adorned with two large cartouches, sailing ships and a very devilish-looking sea monster. The map is based on Fernando Alvarez Secco's map of 1560. The cartouche at bottom contains a dedication to Cardinal Camerlengo, Guido Ascanius Sfortia, from Secco that enumerates the great achievements of Portugal. This is from the second revised plate, first state. Latin text on verso, published in 1595.

References: Van den Broecke #27.

Condition: B+

Full original color on paper with Ortelius' common crossed arrows watermark. There is light printer's ink residue and some toning along the centerfold.

Estimate: $500 - $650

Sold for: $375

Closed on 11/16/2016

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