Ortelius, Abraham.

Shirley, Mapping of the World 122; van den Broecke, Ortelius Atlas Maps, Map 1 & 1.1

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Printed from the first of three plates used in the lifespan of the atlas, this is the general map of the world from the first regularly produced modern atlas of the world, assembled to a uniform size and format, conceived and published by Ortelius in Antwerp in 1570.

This was a hugely important moment in the history of cartography, and marks the transition from Italian to Flemish dominance of contemporary map-making, as Ortelius and his rivals Gerard and Cornelis de Jode made Antwerp the centre of the European map trade.

As a source Ortelius used the landmark map of the world by Gerard Mercator from 1569, but here presented the geography on an oval projection, rather than the Mercator projection seen in the 1569 map.

This is the first state of the map, with the crack visible in the plate along the lower left hand border; when the crack was repaired, the cloud border in that corner was completely re-engraved.