Catalog Archive
Auction 206, Lot 41

"Geographia Sacra", Ortelius, Abraham

Subject: Ancient World

Period: 1624 (published)

Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19 x 14 inches
48.3 x 35.6 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: A

A dark impression on paper with the horn coat of arms watermark commonly found on Ortelius maps, minor marginal soiling, and a small chip at top left.

Estimate: $550 - $700

Sold for: $400

Closed on 11/12/2025

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