1595 Turcici Imperii Descriptio
By: Abraham Ortelius
Date: 1595 (published) Antwerp
Dimensions: 15 x 19.5 inches (31 x 33.8 cm)
This is an authentic antique map of the Middle East, Turkey and the Eastern Mediterreanean by Abraham Ortelius. The map was published out of Antwerp in 1595 as part of the Latin edition of “Theatrum Orbis Terrarum.”
The map is based on Ortelius' own map of Asia, which was derived from the work of Italian mapmaker Giacomo Gastaldi of 1561. It shows a relatively accurate depiction of the Red Sea but a misshapen Persian Gulf and Caspian Sea. While the coastline of the Arabian Peninsula is shown with great detail, many of the inland place names and their locations are taken from antiquity and legend rather than actual reports of exploration.
The map is loaded with detail, showing mountains chains, and river systems, as well as numerous villages and important cities, such as Rome, Tripoli, Athens, Constantinople, Cairo, Jerusalem, and Mecca. Decorative elements within the map include four sailing ships (two of which are engaged in battle), a sea monster roaming the Black Sea and a strapwork title cartouche supported by two female, winged sea creatures.
Condition: Map is in A condition, wide margins and no separations. There is some light toning along the edge of the paper and very minor offsetting near the top portion of the centerfold. Map displays exception hand coloring.
Inventory #18943
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