Catalog Archive
Auction 194, Lot 685

"Tartariae sive Magni Chami Regni Tipus", Ortelius/Marchetti

Subject: Northern Asia & Northwestern North America

Period: 1598 (published)

Publication: Theatro del Mondo

Color: Hand Color

Size:
4.1 x 2.9 inches
10.4 x 7.4 cm
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While designed to illustrate the expansive kingdom of the Great Khan in Asia, this tiny map's main feature is the Stretto di Anian separating Asia and North America based on the theory of Giacomo Gastaldi. Near the southern entrance to this straight is a large and strangely shaped Japan with a notation concerning the writings of Marco Polo. In North America, the Sierra Nevadas are named in California, as are five of the mythical cities of Cibola.

Pietro Maria Marchetti produced the second pocket atlas based on Abraham Ortelius' folio Theatrum. It is often referred to as the plagiarized version of the Epitome. The copper plates are closely copied from those of Philip Galle's 1593 Italian edition. On a full sheet (5.5 x 7.5") of Italian text.

References: Burden #128; King (2nd ed.) pp. 78-79.

Condition: A

A dark impression on a bright sheet with a faint stain in the left blank margin.

Estimate: $140 - $170

Sold for: $100

Closed on 9/13/2023

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