1598 Americae sive Novi Orbis Nova Descriptio
By: Abraham Ortelius,
Date: 1598 (published) Antwerp
Dimensions: 14 x 19 inches (35.5 x 48.25 cm)
One of the most famous and decorative maps of America.The map, which shows both North and South America, featured in Abraham Ortelius' Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, the first modern atlas of the world.
Ortelius' 'Americae Sive Novi Orbis Nova Descriptio' is without a doubt one of the most recognised and influential maps of the Americas from the sixteenth century and it had a enormous influence on the future of cartography in the New World. The map went through three major revisions to the plates. This is from the first state of the third and final plate (1587). Of the three maps, this one is perhaps the most important. It is the most geographically advanced one, with the bulge in Chile removed.
North and South America stretch across this single hemisphere map. To the north, North America somewhat resembles the continent we know today, except the area near Alaska is undefined and the northwest bulges to the east. South America is a squat landmass, early editions have an extension in the southwest that would disappear in later editions of the map. The title is decorated with the key-like geometric decorations common to the maps in Ortelius' atlas. In the ocean, a sea monster lurks. In the Pacific, ships stream through the water, their sails filled with imaginary winds.
Condition: In very fine condition. On watermarked (crossed arrows) paper with original wide margins. A few small printers creases along top neat line. Minor foxing in side margins not effecting the image. Remnants of paper tape on verso.
Inventory #82310