by Abraham Ortelius

Reproduction Old World Map.  One of the most famous cartographers in history, Abraham Ortelius (1527-1598) produced the first modern atlas called the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum (Theatre of the World) in 1570, although his friend and contemporary, Gerardus Mercator was the first to use the term atlas, twenty years later.  While not a scientific innovator, Ortelius is best remembered for his ability to gather an immense body of existing geographic knowledge and to publish it in a consistent and high-quality cartographic format: the atlas.  As a synthesis of many existing maps, the Theatrum's world map, for example, was influenced by the cartography of Jacobo Gastaldi (world map, 1561), Diego Gutierrez (portolan map of the Atlantic, 1562), and, not least, by Gerardus Mercator's 1569 world map.  This fine example of ornate cartographic style is printed on 100% cotton, carefully hand-finished and assembled with silken hanging cord.  Staffs are made of iron with brass knobs.   Imported from Italy.  (See close up detail photos below.)

Dimensions: 39"x28"
Shipping Weight: 5 lbs.

ITEM:  Z307
PRICE:  $290.00

Abraham Ortelius
1528-1598

Born in Antwerp, Abraham Ortelius studied Greek, Latin and mathematics.  He and his sister established a business as book dealer and "painter of maps".  Through the course of his business, Ortelius met and encouraged many of his contemporaries in the map making field. 

After publishing a World Map in 1564, printed on eight sheets, he decided to gather a collection of maps from among his European cartographer contacts and had them engraved and bound in uniform size to produce the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum.

Ortelius selected Frans Hogenberg to provide the elegant engraving for most of the maps in the collection.  The Theatrum Orbis Terrarum was an instant success, and unlike many of his contemporaries, Ortelius acknowledged those who contributed, citing eighty-seven different cartographers in the first edition, many of whom would be unknown today if it weren't for his generous gesture. Numerous editions of the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum ensued, the final edition being published in 1612.