Abraham Ortelius Hand-Colored Engraved Map of Southern Italy, Late 16th Century
Item Details
Abraham Ortelius is celebrated as the creator of the first modern atlas titled Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, published in 1570. Heavily influenced by Gerard Mercator with whom he traveled, he was appointed as the geographer for King Philip II of Spain in 1575. Ortelius is regarded as a seminal figure in the Golden Age of Netherlandish cartography and recognized for his proposal of the continental drift as an explanation for the similarities between continental coasts. His work is among the most frequently collected of 16th-century cartographers.
| Medium on Ground | Hand-colored engraving on laid paper |
| Geographical Area | Europe |
| Region | Southern Italy |
| Period | Late 16th Century |
| Artist (Nationality, Lifespan) | After Abraham Ortelius (Flemish, 1527–1598) |
| Title | Itala nam tellus Graecia Maior |
| Portfolio and/or Book | From Atlas Parergon, Latin text edition |
| Additional Information | A detailed map of southern Italy as part of Greater Greece. |
Condition
- toning and scattered foxing; scattered stains; slight waving to sheet; abrasions at center fold crease; water damage across lower edge of mat; nicks and finish wear to frame.
Dimensions
- measures frame; visible image measures 19.25 W x 14" H.
- Item not examined outside of mounting
Item #
ITMG639488
