Catalog Archive
Auction 166, Lot 638

Elaborate Map of the Holy Land, Illustrating the Life of Abraham

"Abrahami Patriarchae Peregrinatio, et Vita", Ortelius, Abraham

Subject: Holy Land

Period: 1603 (published)

Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

Color: Black & White

Size:
18.4 x 14.1 inches
46.7 x 35.8 cm
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Ortelius designed, and probably also engraved this beautiful Holy Land map. It details the wanderings and life of the Patriarch Abraham. The map is displayed as though on a banner hung on a wall; it shows Palestine and a portion of Egypt, inset with a small map of the Middle East from the Mediterranean to the Euphrates River. The imaginative design includes an elaborately engraved frame containing twenty-two scenes illustrating the life of Abraham, spanning his departure from Ur to his death. This is from the second plate, used from 1592-1624, with the hachuring within the medallion border running from upper left to lower right. Latin text on verso.

References: Laor #547; Van den Broecke #183.

Condition: B

A nice impression with light toning, a few small spots, and an archivally repaired centerfold separation that enters 3.5" into image at top. A short tear in the bottom blank margin has been repaired with old paper both on recto and verso.

Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400

Unsold

Closed on 2/14/2018

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