Artesia. Iacobo Surhonio Montano auctore.

Article description

Original antique copper engraving, hand coloured when published, depicting Artois. Published in Antwerpen, 1588. Sheet: 380 by 490mm (15 by 19 inches).. A fine decorative example of antique cartography by Abraham Ortelius, rich in period detail and historical significance. Abraham Ortelius (1527–1598) was a Flemish cartographer and geographer born in Antwerp who produced the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum in 1570 — widely regarded as the first modern atlas. Ortelius brought together, standardised, and re-engraved maps from diverse sources into a single coherent folio work of fifty-three maps. The atlas was enormously successful, running to at least forty-two editions in seven languages between 1570 and 1612. King Philip II of Spain appointed Ortelius his Royal Geographer in 1575. A friend and travel companion of Gerardus Mercator, Ortelius was also a noted numismatist and antiquary. Maps from the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum are among the most collected antique maps in the world, admired for their fine engraving, decorative strapwork cartouches, and scholarly accuracy. Detailled map of Artois, with many cities and place names. The engraved cities are shown as miniature cityviews, a few place names heightend in gold. Among the place names we find St. Omer, Arras, Renty, Monstreul etc. Ornated with a large decorative title cartouch, as well two further cartouches with a dedication and a milage scale. This map is in very fine original handcolor, typical for a Spanish edition in that period. Abraham Ortelius engraved this map after the cartographic sketch by Iacobo Surbonio Montano. In good condition for its age (published 1588). Colours well preserved. Some age-toning and minor imperfections consistent with a document of this antiquity. A condition report is available on request.

Abraham Ortelius – Artesia. Iacobo Surhonio Montano auctore. · Original Antique Copper Engraving, Hand Coloured · Antwerpen 1588

Koe. Ort 23 / #37 (115). Broe. 73.