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1590 - Aevi Veteris Typus Geographicus

Map maker	Size	Map ID	Condition
Abraham Ortelius	440 x 310 mm	D2 / M129 / I50	Fine Condition, original colour

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Ortelius' famous atlas 'Theatrum Orbis Terrarum' was first published in 1570. Regarded as the first 'modern' atlas, it comprised maps of similar size and style. It wasn't until the 1590 edition that a section devoted to classical history called the 'Parergon' was issued.

Shirley notes that Ortelius himself may have engraved the maps from this section, as classical history was a favourite area of study for him. The Parergon included this classic world map more or less following the views of the second century Alexandrian Claudius Ptolemy. Geographically speaking, Ortelius' map is more accurate than Ptolemy's original 2nd century world map concepts, however it does cover the same area as its predecessor and does exclude the Americas . On Ptolemy's original map, Africa was in fact joined to Asia by a southern landmass creating a land locked Indian Ocean .

Africa is shown only as far south as the source of the Nile, while the East Indies and east coast of China are not included.

Ortelius' map is further divided into climatic zones with the note that the polar regions are uninhabitable. In the corners, four medallions are added each containing a modern rendition of the four known continents.

A grant of privilege with Ortelius' imprint and the date 1590 appears in the bottom cartouche. Fine colour. Wide margins and fine condition.Published in the fourth Additamentum to supplement Ortelius' 'Theatrum Orbis Terrarum' from 1590 up until 1624.

This information is adopted from the Printed World catalogue series, one of the most enjoyable and informative Australian Antique map catalogues available, created and compiled by Simon Dewez.

View map online on http://www.antiquemapart.com/map/129