Catalog Archive
Auction 175, Lot 24

"Geographia Sacra", Ortelius, Abraham

Subject: Ancient World

Period: 1598 (dated)

Publication: Theatri Orbis Terrarum Parergon

Color: Hand Color

Size:
18.8 x 13.8 inches
47.8 x 35.1 cm
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Dramatic and beautifully engraved map of the ancient Biblical world including southern Europe, northern Africa and the Middle East. It depicts the world known to the ancients and is based on the Old and New Testament, following the translation of the Septuaginata. At the bottom of the map is small (4.2 x 2.7") inset map of the modern world on an oval projection surrounded with a decorative strapwork cartouche. Three additional strapwork cartouches adorn the map, with the one at left describing Ophir, the mythical land where Solomon got the gold to build his famous temple in Jerusalem. The world map shows the mythical Ophir in four possible locations; Southeast Asia, South Africa, the West Indies and South America. Latin text on verso, published in 1624.

References: Van den Broecke #179.

Condition: B+

A crisp impression on a clean, bright sheet with minor show-through of text on verso and a printer's crease at top. There are professional repairs along the centerfold to several separations, a few small worm holes, and a large worm track within the modern world map at bottom with the image skillfully replaced in facsimile.

Estimate: $475 - $600

Sold for: $350

Closed on 11/13/2019

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