Rare First Plate of Ortelius' Map of Ancient Germany

"Germaniae Veteris, Typus", Ortelius, Abraham

This is Ortelius' first map of ancient Germany. The region covered takes in all of central Europe from Belgium and France through Poland, to include northern Italy and Hungary. The map is based on the writing of classical authors such as Ptolemy, Caesar and Strabo. It is richly engraved and features four large strapwork cartouches. Latin text on verso, published in 1592. This map is very rare, as it only appeared in three editions of the Theatrum before being replaced with a new map. Van den Broecke estimates that there were only 700 copies of this map printed.

References: Van den Broecke #199.

Condition: B+

A crisp, early impression with old color on paper with Ortelius' common crossed arrows watermark. There are two diagonal tears extending from the top of the map to the centerfold that have been professionally repaired.