Catalog Archive
Auction 171, Lot 634

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

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

Subject: Holy Land

Period: 1586 (dated)

Publication: Theatri Orbis Terrarum Parergon

Color: Hand Color

Size:
17.9 x 13.8 inches
45.5 x 35.1 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, published in 1624.

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

Condition: B+

A sharp impression on a bright sheet with a tiny, professionally repaired tear in an unengraved area along the centerfold, and light marginal soiling. Professionally remargined at bottom with a small portion of the neatline replaced in facsimile at bottom left.

Estimate: $1,800 - $2,100

Sold for: $1,200

Closed on 2/6/2019

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