"Presbiteri Iohannis, sive Abissinorum Imperii Descriptio", Ortelius, Abraham

Striking map of the kingdom of the mythical Christian king whom according to legend provided a stronghold against Barbarians and was an ally to the Crusaders. Ortelius designed this map himself using geographical information including Gastaldi's 1564 map of Africa. It includes two pair of large elephants in the interior and sea monsters and an oared ship in the Atlantic with two large strapwork cartouches, one enclosing the title and the other with text of the legend. Latin text on verso.

References: Van den Broecke #175.

Condition: B

Lovely old color. Extensive restorations along centerfold. Manuscript ink notation in left margin.