- 126
Ortelius, Abraham
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description
- Ortelius, Abraham
- Theatrum orbis terrarum. Antwerp, 1574
- paper
Fourth Latin edition, folio (405 x 280mm.), engraved architectural title, Catalogus auctorum with 103 names and 70 double-page engraved maps in contemporary hand colour, ownership annotation in ink, contemporary vellum with arms, title soiled and chipped, map 18 and 19, 48 and 49 misbound, world map split at lower fold, map 19 (Geldria) with loss at lower fold, some marginal soiling and a few maps split at fold, binding becoming detached
From its first appearance in 1570 with 53 mapsheets, the Theatrum was far more comprehensive in scope than the contemporary Italian Lafreri atlases, which were assembled or printed to order, and filled the need for a wide ranging modern geography (see lot 122). Its popularity can be judged by the fact that in its first year of publication no less than four issues were produced. In all, over forty different editions were published, with text in Latin, Dutch, German, French, Spanish, English or Italian, with the maps being frequently revised or replaced. In 1612, when the final edition appeared, the atlas contained no less than 150 maps.
From its first appearance in 1570 with 53 mapsheets, the Theatrum was far more comprehensive in scope than the contemporary Italian Lafreri atlases, which were assembled or printed to order, and filled the need for a wide ranging modern geography (see lot 122). Its popularity can be judged by the fact that in its first year of publication no less than four issues were produced. In all, over forty different editions were published, with text in Latin, Dutch, German, French, Spanish, English or Italian, with the maps being frequently revised or replaced. In 1612, when the final edition appeared, the atlas contained no less than 150 maps.
Condition
the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
From its first appearance in 1570 with 53 mapsheets, the Theatrum was far more comprehensive in scope than the contemporary Italian Lafreri atlases, which were assembled or printed to order, and filled the need for a wide ranging modern geography (see lot 122). Its popularity can be judged by the fact that in its first year of publication no less than four issues were produced. In all, over forty different editions were published, with text in Latin, Dutch, German, French, Spanish, English or Italian, with the maps being frequently revised or replaced. In 1612, when the final edition appeared, the atlas contained no less than 150 maps.