c.1580

Copperplate engraving by Abraham Ortelius (1527–98).

This map is from the miniature version of Ortelius' Theatrum Orbis Terrarum ("Theatre of the Lands of the World"), usually referred to as the Epitome.

Published in Antwerp, the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum was the first comprehensive modern atlas. The Epitome was the first pocket version of the Theatrum, published by Philippe Galle between 1577 and 1598.

The map is decorated with three sailing ships, a sea monster, and fully engraved seas. The most notable change made from the folio map to its miniature version is the removal of Lake Zaflan, the smaller of the two Ptolemaic source lakes for the Nile River. 

French text on verso.

Slight crease on top right corner and small stain in the centre.

165 x 137mm

R7,500