Ortelius, Abraham
Theatro del Mondo di Abrahamo Ortelio: Da lui poco inanzi la sua morte riueduto, & di tauole nuoue, et commenti...
- Published: Antwerpen
- Published date: 1612
- Issue date: 1612
- Type: Book
- Size: 48 x 33 cm (19 x 13 inches).
- Bibliography: Koeman, Ort. 42
- Stock number: 13976
- Condition: The 'Theatrum Orbis Terrarum' was first published in 1570 with a total of 53 double-page engraved maps. With the posthumous edition of J.B. Vrients in 1608 the Theatrum reached its most complete form, with a total of 166 double page engraved maps. In addition to the original maps by Ortelius, this edition contains a complete set of the opulently ornamented maps created by Vrients from 1602 and 1608. Apart from the title, this edition is in every respect the same as the 1608 Italian edition. The plates have been sold by Vrients to the Officina Platiniana. It belongs with the 1608 edition, to the only Italian editions of the Theatrum (Koeman).
Article description
3 parts in one volume, including the Parergon. Engraved allegorical title, with letterpress title, with full-page engraved portrait of Pope Clement on verso, architectural border to Parergon title, large Plantin device on Nomenclature title, engraved dedication, portrait of Ortelius, and 5 diagrams in the text, 162 finely hand coloured double-page engraved maps and 4 double-page plates of landscapes or views, all on guards. Seventeenth century speckled calf, spine gilt in six compartments, lightly rubbed. 'This is the last Italian edition of the 'Theatrum Orbis Terrarum' and the most complete, too. It contains elaborate preliminary matter and an introduction to the cosmography, the Parergon and the Nomenclator. This edition was printed and published by the successor of Platin in the famous printing house. The widow of Vrients has sold all the material of the Theatrum and the Epitome to the house of Platin. On recto of the sheet D we find a list of the 12 plates that were added to the Theatrum by Vrients. Another list mentions five plates which had been revised by the House Platin.' (Koeman, Ort. 41). A very well preserved and complete copy of the most extensive edition. Fully hand colored in the period when published, most of maps heightened in gold in the cartouches or in other allegoric decorations. Numerous woodcut ornamental hand colored initials, occasional some browning and spotting, several small minor mostly marginal repaired tears, some minor offsetting, 3 maps: Europe, Italy and Nobilis Hannoniae with clear splits or mendings at the centre fold.
Koeman, Ort. 42