"Artois. Atrebatum Regionis Vera Descriptio", Ortelius, Abraham

This decorative map of Artois is the first of three maps of the province that Ortelius included in the Theatrum. The map is based on the manuscript map Jacques Surhon made in 1554. For security reasons it was not published until 1579, when Antwerp had been independent for a short time. The map is filled with extensive detail of the rivers, forests, cities, fortifications and villages, and is richly embellished with two large cartouches. This is the second state with a dedication replacing a ship in the ocean. French text on verso.

References: Van den Broecke #72.

Condition: A

A dark impression on watermarked paper with light printer's ink residue, minor offsetting, and an old manuscript page number at bottom right. There is light toning along the edges of the sheet and several small damp stains along confined to the edges.