“EVROPAE” Antwerp: Abraham Ortelius, c. 1579 from Theatrum Orbis Terrarum. Verso text Latin. Very fine engraved map with later hand-coloring and original centerfold. Reference: Van den Broecke # 4 state 2 (Africa is still in block letters and in southwestern Spain, a change from state 1 reads “C de Tincente” instead of “Vincente”. (Image size: 13 3/8 x 18 1/8’’)
This highly decorative map depicts the continent as it was known in the 1570’s. Topographical features are shown and countries, major cities, towns, waterways, forests and islands are located. The small title cartouche on the upper left side depicts Europa on Zeus the Bull.
The map is updated to the latest information, based upon several important maps of Europe, including Gerard Mercator's 1554 map of Europe; the mapping of Greenland and Iceland from Mercator's 1569 world map. The treatment of Great Britain is based upon Mercator's 1564 Great Britain map. Scandinavia is drawn from Olaus Magnus' 1539 Scandinavia map. Russia is based on Jenkinson's 1562 Russia map. The Southeastern part of this map is based upon Gastaldi's 1559 map of Asia. Parts of the North African coast are based upon Gastaldi's Africa map of 1564.
A very attractive example of this landmark map in excellent condition. The map is very clean and well colored, with large margins. An ancient repair to a chip in the extreme left blank margin is well away from the map, with no loss to the image..
Shipped unmatted
