Items Similar to Portrait of Abraham Ortelius Engraved by Philippe Galle, first published in 1579
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 8
Portrait of Abraham Ortelius Engraved by Philippe Galle, first published in 1579
About the Item
Title: Portrait of Abraham Ortelius Engraved by Philippe Galle, first published in 1579, featured in the *Theatrum Orbis Terrarum*.
Description: This is a meticulously detailed portrait of Abraham Ortelius (1527–1598), the renowned Flemish cartographer, geographer, and creator of the first modern atlas, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum. This copperplate engraving, crafted by the master engraver Philippe Galle (1537–1612), was first published in the 1579 edition of Ortelius’s groundbreaking work.
The image presents a bust-length profile of Ortelius facing to the left, emphasizing his austere yet intellectual presence. He is depicted wearing formal attire typical of the late Renaissance period, including a richly textured doublet with a fur-lined collar and a finely detailed ruff around his neck. His aged, yet determined face, with a pointed beard and furrowed brow, symbolizes his deep dedication to the study of geography and cartography.
Surrounding the portrait is an elaborate architectural and floral frame, characteristic of late 16th-century Mannerist designs, which conveys a sense of both intellectual grandeur and artistic sophistication. At the top of the frame is a "Chi Rho" symbol, representing Christ, and emphasizing the religious underpinnings of Ortelius's worldview. The Latin inscription below the portrait reads:
"Spectandum dedit Ortelius mortalib. orbem, Orbi spectandum Galleus Ortelium"
("Ortelius gave the world to be seen by mortals, Galleus gave Ortelius to be seen by the world.")
This suggests the lasting legacy of Ortelius’s work in mapping the known world and how Galle, through his engraving, immortalized Ortelius himself.
About the Engraver: Philippe Galle (1537–1612) was a prominent Flemish engraver and publisher, known for his precision and technical skill in copperplate engraving. Galle often worked with leading figures of his time, producing prints that highlighted important cultural, intellectual, and political figures. His engraving technique involved etching intricate lines and textures onto a copperplate, which would then be inked and pressed onto paper to produce highly detailed prints. His collaboration with Ortelius on this project further solidified his reputation as a master engraver.
Why Ortelius was Important: Abraham Ortelius is celebrated as one of the founders of modern cartography. His atlas, *Theatrum Orbis Terrarum* (Theatre of the World), published in 1570, was the first to gather a comprehensive collection of maps into a single, standardized volume. This work marked a turning point in the history of geography by establishing a modern understanding of world mapping. Ortelius also significantly contributed to geographic knowledge by incorporating information from various cartographers, which helped to unify mapmaking practices across Europe.
Ortelius's work not only aided navigators and explorers but also influenced scholars and rulers in their understanding of the world. His reputation extended well beyond his home in Antwerp, making him one of the most respected intellectuals of his time.
Keywords: Abraham Ortelius portrait, Philippe Galle engraving, 1579 Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, Renaissance cartography, Ortelius atlas, historical cartographer portrait, copperplate engraving, Mannerist engravings, 16th-century mapmaker, early modern atlas, Flemish engravers, Renaissance geographic works, Flemish art history, Ortelius Galle portrait.
- Dimensions:Height: 14.77 in (37.5 cm)Width: 10.44 in (26.5 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1579
- Condition:Good condition. Latin text on reverse. The engraving is well-preserved with minimal signs of aging. Slight discoloration and wear along the edges, but the intricate details of the portrait and frame remain sharp and intact.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13833-11stDibs: LU3054341542602
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,439 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllRapa Nui Gaze: Portraits from Easter Island, Engraved and Published in ca.1785
Located in Langweer, NL
The engraving features side-by-side portraits of a woman and a man from Easter Island, known locally as Rapa Nui, famous for its monumental statues known as moai.
The left side depi...
Category
Antique 1780s Prints
Materials
Paper
Engraved View of Geneva from the Rhône River, Published in 1780
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: View of Geneva from the Rhône River (Vue de Genève, Du côté de la chute du Rhône)
Description: This finely detailed engraving depicts a panoramic view of Geneva as seen from ...
Category
Antique 1780s Prints
Materials
Paper
$339 Sale Price
20% Off
Lord of the Court of Philip the Good, Engraved and Published in 1847
Located in Langweer, NL
The image presents a nobleman of the court of Philippe le Bon (Philip the Good), Duke of Burgundy. The nobleman stands in profile, gazing into the distance, with an air of contemplat...
Category
Antique 1840s Prints
Materials
Paper
Botanical Elegance: A Trio of Antique Foliar Portraits, Published in 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
These prints are exquisite examples of 19th-century botanical illustration, showcasing the vivid and diverse foliage patterns found in plants. They are from "Les Plantes à Feuillage ...
Category
Antique 1880s Prints
Materials
Paper
15th Century Elegance: Lady of the Court, Engraved and Published in 1847
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: "15th Century Elegance: Lady of the Court"
Description: This print presents a lady of the 15th century, elegantly attired in the fashion of the European high nobility. Her dr...
Category
Antique 1840s Prints
Materials
Paper
First Sparks of the Eighty Years' War in Oosterweel in 1567, Engraved in 1632
Located in Langweer, NL
An original antique engraving of the Battle of Oosterweel, which took place in 1567 during the Dutch Revolt. It is an early conflict leading up to the full-scale Eighty Years' War. T...
Category
Antique 1630s Prints
Materials
Paper
You May Also Like
Constellations Engraved Maps Drawn by W. Newton, Published by Baldwin & Grado
Located in Nottingham, GB
Set of five maps of the constellations numbered 1-5, drawn by W. Newton and published by Baldwin & Gradock in 1830. Framed, in very good condition.
A constellation map is a graphica...
Category
Antique 1830s Prints
Materials
Paper
Lithograph Portrait of Abraham Lincoln by William E. Marshall, 1866
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Portrait of Abraham Lincoln
by William E. Marshall
Engraving / Lithograph, 1866
image 15" x 19"
frame 24.5" x 28.5 x .75"
nice pressed wood frame - no glass
"One of the best after-death portraits of Lincoln."
"William Edgar Marshall 1837-1906, New York born painter and engraver. Marshall started his career as an engraver of pocket watch cases. In 1856, encouraged by his mentor, Cyrus Durand, who with his brother, Asher B. Durand, were important early banknote engravers, Marshall made his first engraved portraits - images of the Presidential candidates, James Buchanan and John Charles Fremont. The quality of these two images led to Marshall's appointment as the chief engraver at the American Bank Note Company in 1858. In 1862 he engraved a portrait of George Washington after a painting by Gilbert Stuart...
Category
Antique 1860s American American Classical Prints
Materials
Paper
Adam and Eve Engraving by Johann Sadeler circa 1579
Located in Doylestown, PA
A rare engraving titled “IN ADAM OMNES MORIUNTUR” (All die in Adam) by Johann Sadeler after a work by Maerten de Vos, depicting Adam taking the forbidden fruit from Eve. Signed and...
Category
Antique 16th Century Dutch Renaissance Prints
Materials
Paper
Set of Six Framed Prints Published by Rudolph Ackermann
Located in London, GB
Set of six framed prints published by Rudolph Ackermann
English, 1851
Frame: Height 54cm, width 59.5cm, depth 4.5cm
Sheet: Height 35cm, width 41cm...
Category
Antique 1850s English Prints
Materials
Giltwood, Paper
Pair of Gilt Framed Classical Engravings in Sepia Tones, Engraved by J. Spiegl
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Gilt Framed Classical Engravings in Sepia Tones which were engraved by J. Spiegl; from Germany originating in the 18th century.
Category
Antique 18th Century German Prints
Materials
Other
Rare Set Of 4 Antique English Prints Published By SW Fores
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A set of four antique prints including:
English hand colored etching titled "A New Mode of Presenting Two Addresses at Once", by Charles Williams, published by SW Fores, 1818, Picca...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Prints
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
