“the first true atlas” in a contemporary red morocco binding
Theatrum Orbis Terrarum.
Antwerp,
Jan Baptist Vrients,
1603
Folio, (485 by 297mm) three parts in one volume, title, with full-page engraving of the arms of Philip II of Spain on the verso, memorial to Ortelius incorporating a small circular portrait, portrait of Ortelius by Filips Galle, section-title to the Parergon with architectural surround, uncoloured vignette on letterpress section title to the Nomenclator, 156 double-page engravings on 151 mapsheets (including 38 in the Parergon, two costume plates, three views), numerous woodcut initials, fine original hand colour throughout heightened in gold, map 36 remargined, plates 133 and 134 supplied and made up to size, contemporary armorial red morocco gilt, upper cover embossed with the date '1607', minor worming, repairs to spine ends, lightly rubbed.
14159
notes:
A fine example of one of the most complete versions of the first printed modern atlas, sumptuously bound in contemporary red morocco with the arms of Peter Vok of Rosenberg.
Abraham Ortelius (1527-1598) took an active interest in cartography from an early age. He began his career as a "kaarten afzetter" (illuminator of maps), purchasing maps from booksellers and colouring them for resale. He travelled extensively in his search for new material and was a well-know...
Abraham Ortelius (1527-1598) took an active interest in cartography from an early age. He began his career as a "kaarten afzetter" (illuminator of maps), purchasing maps from booksellers and colouring them for resale. He travelled extensively in his search for new material and was a well-know...
bibliography:
Marcel van den Broecke, Ortelius Atlas Maps: An Illustrated Guide (Netherlands: HES, 1996); van der Krogt 31:053.
provenance:
1. Arms on upper and lower cover of Peter Vok of Rosenberg [Petr Vok z Rožmberka] (1539-1611) a leading Czech nobleman of the House of Rosenberg. Peter amassed one of the great libraries of the time, which at it's height contained some 11,000 volumes.
2. Ex Libris of Hans Dedi (1918-2016) German businessman and bibliophile.
2. Ex Libris of Hans Dedi (1918-2016) German businessman and bibliophile.