Catalog Archive
Auction 171, Lot 602

"Malta olim Melita Insula", Ortelius/Galle

Subject: Malta

Period: 1590 (published)

Publication: Epitome du Theatre du Monde d'Abraham Ortelius

Color: Hand Color

Size:
4.2 x 3 inches
10.7 x 7.6 cm
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Charming miniature map of Malta with towns depicted with castles. The map is richly adorned with a sea monster, sailing ship, and the Apostle Paul's shipwreck depicted off the northern coastline, with two swimming survivors and several onlookers on land. French text on verso. The first pocket version of Ortelius' Theatrum was published by Philippe Galle in 1577 as Spieghel der Werelt. Galle began a new edition with new plates, commonly known as the Epitome, in 1588. Galle's miniature atlas was quite popular, and was published in editions until 1602. From 1583 he gradually introduced a new set of maps, both adding to and replacing the originals. The plates were then passed to Jan B. Vrients, who retouched some of the plates and published the final editions of the Epitome in 1601 and 1602.

References: King (2nd Ed.) pp. 64-65 & 88-89; Van der Krogt (Vol. III) #7590:331.

Condition: B+

A dark impression with light toning and a small damp stain in the top blank margin.

Estimate: $160 - $190

Sold for: $140

Closed on 2/6/2019

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