PBA Galleries

Copper-engraved map, hand-colored (later?). Engraved by Frans Hogenberg. 33.5x49 cm (13¾x19¾").

The first (of three) world maps that were included in Ortelius' famed atlas, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, and used for the first sixteen editions. As described by Tooley, "Ortelius' world map is a simplified one-sheet reduction of Mercator's large world map which appeared the year before. Nearly all of the legends, textual panels and decorative features have been omitted; between the oval circumference of the map and the outer frame are now clouds, and, below, a quotation from Cicero. From surviving correspondence it is known that Mercator generously encouraged Ortelius to make use of this published corpus of research; he also provided him with co-ordinates of places in America and perhaps elsewhere. South America retains the unusual bulged south-west coast drawn by Mercator There is also a prudent comment adjacent to New Guinea querying whether this large island is part of the southern continent or not. There was a crack that appeared across the lower left-hand corner in the latter 1570's, which was roughly mended and the whole border of the clouds substantially reworked. There is evidence of the crack at the lower left of the present example. Shirley 122, plate 104.