Catalog Archive
Auction 164, Lot 450

"Europa", Ortelius/Vrients

Subject: Europe

Period: 1601 (published)

Publication: Epitome Theatri Orteliani

Color: Hand Color

Size:
4.2 x 3.1 inches
10.7 x 7.9 cm
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This charming miniature map of Europe extends east to the Caspian Sea and includes a partial coastline of Greenland at top. Detail is limited to key rivers and cities. Latin text on verso.

This map was published in Filips Galle's series of Epitome, which first appeared in 1588. Galle was unimpressed with the maps in the Spieghel der Wereld, and therefore gradually replaced nearly all of them through the various editions of his Epitome. The new maps had simple double-lined borders and were widely copied by others. The plates were acquired by Jan Baptist Vrients circa 1600, who published three more editions in 1601 and 1602, retouching some of the plates and replacing a few more. By the time Vrients' 1601 edition was published, only 10 of the original maps remained.

References: King (2nd Ed.) pp. 64-65 & 88-89; Van der Krogt (Vol. III) #1000:332.

Condition: A

A nice impression with minor toning and marginal soiling.

Estimate: $160 - $190

Sold for: $80

Closed on 9/13/2017

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