Ortelius, Abraham
Early edition and a superb example of Ortelius atlas; “If every home now owns an atlas of some sort, it is due ultimately to the conviction and example of Ortelius”
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The Theatrum Orbis Terrarum is considered to be the first modern atlas, this is, the first set of uniform maps with supporting text gathered in book form. At the time of publication, the Theatrum was the best available summary of 16th century cartographic knowledge, and it soon became the most widespread across Europe, it covered the recently discovered lands in both the Americas and Asia, and thus represents a faithful representation of Europe’s understanding of the world during the so-called century of discoveries.
It first appeared in 1570 in Antwerp, and was an immediate success, editions promptly followed and translations ensued (first issued in Latin, and later translated into Spanish, English, Dutch, Italian, and German, interestingly not in French); it’s publication cast a shadow over the competing atlases published contemporaneously, such as those from the De Jode and the Mercator families (which may be considered somewhat superior). Subsequent editions would be augmented with other maps. The maps were drawn by Ortelius and were engraved principally by Frans Hogenberg and Ambrosius and Ferdinand Arsenius’.
Near contemporary ownership inscription to bottom of title page ‘Ex libris D[?]… Santiago’, and later initials B.G.V[?].
PMM 91 (for the first edition); Koeman/Van der Krogt 31:012.
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