Catalog Archive
Auction 171, Lot 639

"Palaestinae sive Totius Terrae Promissionis Nova Descriptio Auctore Tilemanno Stella Sigenensi", Ortelius, Abraham

Subject: Holy Land

Period: 1624 (published)

Publication: Theatri Orbis Terrarum Parergon

Color: Hand Color

Size:
17.8 x 13.4 inches
45.2 x 34 cm
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This is Ortelius' third map of the Holy Land. It covers the region from the Nile Delta to Lebanon, and focuses on the desert of the Exodus. Ortelius' map was based on Tilemanno Stella's map of 1557 that became the prototype for the modern cartography of the Holy Land. Stella adapted the coastline and Dead Sea from the configuration of Jacob Ziegler's map of 1532. But here, Ortelius rounds Stella's angular Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba. The map is richly decorated with two elaborate, neoclassical cartouches. The sea is teaming with three ships (one of which is shown with canons firing). This example is from the third of three plates used for the Theatrum. Latin text on verso.

References: Nebenzahl (HL) pp. 84-86; Laor #539; Tooley (TMC-3) p. 28; Van den Broecke #172.

Condition: A

An excellent impression on watermarked paper with a hint of toning along the centerfold, marginal soiling, and a small hole in the top blank margin.

Estimate: $700 - $850

Sold for: $450

Closed on 2/6/2019

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