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Auction 189, Lot 560

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: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

Color: Black & White

Size:
18.4 x 14.1 inches
46.7 x 35.8 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 1590-1624, with the hachuring within the medallion border running from upper left to lower right. Latin text on verso, published in 1603.

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

Condition: B+

A nice impression on a bright sheet with the horn coat of arms watermark commonly found on Ortelius maps. There are a few small abrasions in the image, very light soiling, and professional repairs to several short tears and small holes in the image, with a minor amount of image replaced in facsimile (along the top border of the inset map). Margins have been trimmed a bit, with loss of part of text on verso.

Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400

Sold for: $700

Closed on 9/14/2022

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