"Africae Tabula Nova", Ortelius, Abraham
Subject: Africa
Period: 1570 (dated)
Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum
Color: Hand Color
Size:
19.7 x 14.7 inches
50 x 37.3 cm
Ortelius designed this striking continental map from elements of contemporary maps by Gastaldi, Mercator, and Forlani. It is considered a cornerstone map for African collections. The name Carneca appears for the first time, and Zanzibar is shown on the west coast. The Nile is based on the Ptolemaic concept. The map is decorated with a strapwork title cartouche, a grand sea battle, swordfish and a whale. State 2, French text on verso with evidence of plate cracks in title cartouche. RESERVE $1,700
References: Norwich #10 and van den Broecke #8.
Condition: A
Minor mat burn in margins.
