Items Similar to Northern Italy: A 16th Century Hand-colored Map by Abraham Ortelius
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 16
Abraham OrteliusNorthern Italy: A 16th Century Hand-colored Map by Abraham Ortelius1584
1584
About the Item
This is a framed 16th century hand-colored copperplate map of northern Italy entitled "Veronae Urbis Territorium a Bernardo Bragnolo Descriptium" by Abraham Ortelius from his atlas "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum", which was the first modern atlas of the world, with the first volume published in 1570. This map was part of a subsequent volume, published in Antwerp in 1584. It was based on an earlier map by Bernardo Brognoli.
This beautiful map of northern Italy is focussed on Verona and its environs, including Mantua. Lake Garda and the South Tyrol mountains are prominently depicted. There is a very large striking cartouche in the upper left and a decorative distance scale in the lower right.
This striking hand-colored map of northern Italy is presented in a gold-colored wood frame and an olive green-colored mat. It is glazed with UV conservation glass. All mounting materials used are archival. The frame measures 21.5" high by 28" wide by 0.75" deep. There is a central vertical fold, as issued, with slight separation of the lower portion of the fold. There are faint spots in the upper and right margins, but the map is otherwise in very good condition.
Abraham Ortelius (also known as Ortels, Orthellius, and Wortels) (1527-1598) was a Dutch cartographer, geographer, and cosmographer. He began his career as a map colorist. In 1547 he entered the Antwerp guild of St Luke as an "illuminator of maps". He had an affinity for business from an early age and most of his journeys before 1560, were for business. He was a dealer in antiques, coins, maps, and books.
His business income allowed him to acquire an extensive collection of medals, coins, and antiques, as well as a large library of books. In 1560, he travelled to Trier, Lorraine, and Poitiers with the great cartographer, Gerard Mercator. During this trip he was impressed by Mercator’s influence which inspired him to pursue a career as a scientific geographer. He rapidly became proficient at mapmaking and printing, completing his “Mappemonde", a large and ambitious eight-sheet wall map of the world in 1564. Ortelius also published a map of Egypt in 1565, a map of the Holy Land, a plan of Brittenburg Castle on the coast of the Netherlands, and a map of Asia in the late 1560's.
Ortelius went on to create the first modern atlas, the 'Theatrum Orbis Terrarum' (Theatre of the World) in 1570, which is often considered as the official beginning of the Golden Age of Netherlandish cartography. The maps were engraved by Franz Hogenberg, who himself achieved fame for his publication with Georg Braun of the 2nd atlas ever created, the 'Civitates Orbis Terrarum', focussed on views of European towns and cities. Ortellius reportedly assisted in the creation of this atlas. In 1573, Ortelius published seventeen supplementary maps under the title of 'Additamentum Theatri Orbis Terrarum'. In 1575 he was appointed geographer to the king of Spain, Philip II. By the time of Ortelius' death in 1598, a total of 25 editions of 'Theatrum Orbis Terrarum' were published, including editions in Latin, Italian, German, French, and Dutch. Ortelius is now considered one of the most famous and respected mapmakers from the golden age of Dutch cartography and printmaking, as well as academic geography. He is believed to be the first person to imagine that the continents were joined before drifting to their present positions.
References:
Van der Krogt 3, 7111:31
Van Den Broecke 120
- Creator:Abraham Ortelius (1527 - 1598, Dutch)
- Creation Year:1584
- Dimensions:Height: 21.5 in (54.61 cm)Width: 28 in (71.12 cm)Depth: 0.75 in (1.91 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Alamo, CA
- Reference Number:
About the Seller
5.0
Platinum Seller
These expertly vetted sellers are 1stDibs' most experienced sellers and are rated highest by our customers.
Established in 2011
1stDibs seller since 2019
220 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Alamo, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- L'Isle de France: A Hand-colored 17th Century Map by De WitBy Frederick de WitLocated in Alamo, CAThis colorful and detailed 17th century hand-colored copperplate map by Frederick De Wit was published in Amsterdam between 1666 and 1760. The map depicts the Île-de-France, which is one of the ancient provinces of France. Paris is located in the center of the map, with Versailles to the southwest The map extends from Rouen in the west to Reims in the east. The area around Paris, the Véxin Français, was the original domain of the king of France. Other areas were ruled by French feudal lords. For example, the Véxin Normand area was the domain of the Duke of Normandy...Category
Early 18th Century Old Masters More Prints
MaterialsEngraving
- Meissen, Germany : A Large Framed 18th Century Map by Petrus SchenkLocated in Alamo, CAThis is a hand-colored 18th century map of the Meissen region of Germany, entitled "Geographischer Entwurff Derer Aemmter Meissen als Creys-Procuratur-Schul-und Stiffts-Ammt benebst ...Category
Mid-18th Century Old Masters Landscape Prints
MaterialsEngraving
- Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas: Original 18th Century Hand-colored Map by BowenLocated in Alamo, CAThis is an original 18th century hand-colored map entitled "An Accurate Chart of The Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea's; with the Archipelago & Part of the Black Sea. Exhibiting all th...Category
Mid-18th Century Old Masters Landscape Prints
MaterialsEngraving
- Map of the East Indies: An Original 18th Century Hand-colored Map by E. BowenLocated in Alamo, CAThis is an original 18th century hand-colored map entitled "An Accurate Map of the East Indies Exhibiting the Course of the European Trade both on the Continent and Islands" by Emanu...Category
Mid-18th Century Old Masters Landscape Prints
MaterialsEngraving
- Canterbury: An Original 16th C. Framed Hand-colored Map by Braun & HogenbergBy Franz HogenbergLocated in Alamo, CAThis is a framed 16th century map and city view of Canterbury, England entitled "Cantuarbury" by Braun & Hogenburg, from their famous landmark atlas of city views 'Civitates Orbis Terrarum' (Atlas of the Cities of the World), which was first published in Cologne, Germany in 1572. The map of Canterbury was first published in 1588. It depicts a detailed birdseye view of the completely walled and fortified city of Canterbury, with its cathedral the most prominent feature. The coat of arms of England, Canterbury, and the Archbishop of Canterbury are included. This beautifully hand-colored map is presented in a gold-colored wood frame with a beaded inner trim and a paprika-colored mat that highlights details in the map. The frame measures 18.75" high by 22.25" wide by 0.875" deep. There is a central vertical fold, as issued. The map is in excellent condition. Braun and Hogenberg's 'The Civitates Orbis Terrarum' was the second atlas of maps ever published and the first atlas of cities and towns of the world. It is one of the most important books published in the 16th century. Most of the maps in the atlas were engraved by Franz Hogenberg and the text, with its descriptions of the history and additional factual information of the cities, was written by a team of writers and edited by Georg Braun. The work contained 546 bird-eye views and map views of cities and towns from all over the world. It gave graphic representation of the main features of the illustrated cities and towns, including the buildings and streets. Although the ordinary buildings are stylized, the principal buildings are reproduced from actual drawings created on location. The principal landmarks and streets can still be recognized today. In addition, the maps often include the heraldic arms of the city, the nature of the surrounding countryside, the important rivers, streams and harbors, even depicting stone bridges, wooden pontoons, flat-bottomed ferries, ships and working boats, wharves and jetties, as well as land-based activities, including horsemen, pedestrians, wagons, coaches, and palanquins. Small vignettes are often included which illustrate the trade, occupations and habits of the local inhabitants, such as agriculture, paper-making and textiles, as well as local forms of punishment, such as gibbets, wheels, floggings etc. Large figures dressed in their local costume are often presented out of proportion in the foreground. The aim of the authors was to give as much information as possible in a pleasing visual form. They succeeded in creating maps that were both informative and decorative works of art. The atlas is a wonderful glimpse of life in medieval Europe. Georg Braun (1541-1622) was German Catholic...Category
16th Century Old Masters Landscape Prints
MaterialsEngraving
- View of Meissen, Germany: A 16th Century Hand-colored Map by Braun & HogenbergBy Franz HogenbergLocated in Alamo, CAThis is a 16th century original hand-colored copperplate engraved map of View of View of Meissen, Germany entitled "Misena Hermun Duvorum Urbs" by Georg Braun & Franz Hogenberg, from their famous city atlas "Civitates Orbis Terrarum", published in Cologne, Germany in 1575. The map depicts a side view and bird's-eye view, looking across the Elbe River (labelled Albis Fluvius on the map; White River in Latin) from the northeast. In the foreground are three women in conversation on a hill above the city, along with a man and a woman in conversation by a road, all dressed in contemporary costumes of the upper class. A coat-of-arms is present in each upper corner. A great castle sits atop a hill in the background on the left. Meissen grew up around Albrechtsburg castle, built by Emperor Henry I around AD 929, and was granted a municipal charter at the end of the 12th century. From 1471 onwards, the castle complex was reconstructed as the residence of the Saxon electors on the northeast corner of the Domberg (Cathedral Hill). Meissen cathedral is a Gothic hall church begun c. 1270; in 1413 a bolt of lightning destroyed its west towers, which were replaced only in the 20th century. Meissen lies to the northwest of Dresden, Germany in Saxony. Meissen is famous for its Meissen porcelain and the Albrechtsburg castle The following is an English translation of an excerpt from Braun's description of the city: "This city is surrounded by very many rivers, to the east flows the Elbe, to the south the Triebisch, to the west are the mountains, to the north the Meisse, after which the city is said to be named. The city is well-situated in its surroundings, the navigable rivers, the mountains and the healthy air. Around the city there is a good land to grow grain, fertile vineyards on the hillsides and without doubt the mountains are not without ore, for one mile away, up the Elbe, is Scharfenberg, where silver and lead ore are mined.." References: Van der Krogt 4, 2684; Taschen, Braun and Hogenberg...Category
16th Century Old Masters Landscape Prints
MaterialsEngraving
You May Also Like
- Restaurant in Mott StreetBy Charles Frederick William MielatzLocated in New Orleans, LAThe image depicts a restaurant on New York's Mott Street with ornamental iron work on the balconies. There are six figures in the scene in various stages of contrast. Mott Street is considered the unofficial Main Street of New York's Chinatown. Ella Fitzgerald sang it best: “And tell me what street compares with Mott Street in July? Sweet pushcarts gently gliding by.” CFW Mielatz was an early influence on the drypoints and etchings of Martin Lewis. This piece was created in 1906 and it is signed in pencil. It is part of the collection of New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art C.F.W. Mielatz American, 1860-1919 Born in Bredding, Germany in 1864, Mielatz emigrated to the United States as a young boy and studied at the Chicago School of Design. Mostly self-taught, his first prints were large New England landscapes reminiscent of the painter-etcher school of American Art. Around 1890 he started to produce prints of New York City and by the time of his death, the number totaled over ninety images. He was a master technician in the field of etching, reworking many of his plates to get the exact feeling he was seeking. Mielatz was a member of the New York Etching...Category
Early 20th Century American Modern Landscape Prints
MaterialsEtching, Drypoint
- Clairton (night view of US Steel Clairton coke plant, largest in America)By Craig McPhersonLocated in New Orleans, LAMcPherson's night view of the Clairton steelworks is printed on light green laid paper referenced as Hartley M1. It is signed, titled and dated in pencil. Marked ed 75 and "imp" in...Category
1990s American Modern Landscape Prints
MaterialsMezzotint
- Here They Come !By Frank W. BensonLocated in New York, NYThis impression of "Here They Come !" is from the fourth state of eight. There are six known impressions of the fourth state. Edition 150 (final state). It is signed in pencil in the lower left and inscribed "D-1". The image size 13 7/8 x 11 3/4" (34.6 x 28.8 cm) and sheet size 16 3/4 x 14 5/8" (42.8 x 37.1 cm). FRANK W. BENSON (1862-1951) Frank Weston Benson, well known for his American impressionist paintings, also produced an incredible body of prints - etchings, drypoints, and a few lithographs. Born and raised on the North Shore of Massachusetts, Benson, a natural outdoorsman, grew up sailing, fishing, and hunting. From a young age, he was fascinated with drawing and birding – this keen interest continued throughout his life. His first art instruction was with Otto Grundman at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and then in 1883 in Paris at the Academie Julian where he studied the rigorous ‘ecole des beaux arts’ approach to drawing and painting for two years. During the early 1880’s Seymour Haden visited Boston giving a series of lectures on etching. This introduction to the European etching...Category
1920s American Impressionist More Prints
MaterialsDrypoint
- Mont et Mervale (Mountains and Wonder)By Christine RavauxLocated in New Orleans, LABorn in Charleroi, Belgium, Christine Ravaux is an artist who mirrors her surroundings in the mezzotints she creates. She has portrayed the black hills that dot the landscape of the ...Category
1990s Contemporary Landscape Prints
MaterialsMezzotint, Aquatint
- Cranes and Concrete (in the 80s, a boom saw buildings racing into the sky?By Frederick MershimerLocated in New Orleans, LA"Cranes and Concrete" is Frederick Mershimer's mezzotint of the construction scene on Broadway between 13th and 14th streets. Mershimer is no strang...Category
1980s Contemporary Landscape Prints
MaterialsMezzotint
- Girders (rainy night view of artist's former studio in Washington HeightsBy Craig McPhersonLocated in New Orleans, LA"Griders" is Craig McPherson's rainy night scene showing the view from his former studio in Washington Heights in NYC. The image is the companion pi...Category
1980s Contemporary Landscape Prints
MaterialsMezzotint
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Northern Italy
16th Century And Earlier
16th Italian
Old Antique Scales
Old Scales Antique
Old Antique Scale
Old Antique Scales Scales
16th Century Hand Art
16th Gold
Spain Old Masters
Old Spanish Master
16th Century Gold
16th Century German
Dutch 16th
Italian Late 16th Century
16th Century Dutch
Antique Italian Old Masters
Antique Print 16th Century