Theatrum Orbis Terrarum.

Abraham Ortelius

Published by Chr. Plantin, 1592

About this Item

Ortelius A. Theatrum Orbis Terrarum. Opus nunc ab ipso Auctore recognitum multisque locis castigatum, & quamplurimis novis Tabulis atque Commentarijs auctum. Antwerp, Chr. Plantin, 1592. Three parts in one vol. Folio, 46 x 35 cm, Latin text. Engraved allegorical title, engraved portrait and 134 double-page maps, all finely coloured and heightened in gold by a contemporary hand, with a monogram of the colourist (HVS) in gold on the title page. Contemporary Dutch vellum binding. Beautiful atlas printed on large, heavy paper in superb luxe colouring. Origin: from a German noble family. Ref.: Van der Krogt III.A 31:041 This is the first edition of the Theatrum with a clear division into three parts: (1) the atlas itself, (2) the Parergon, and (3) the Nomenclator. The Parergon had, for the first time, its own title page. Printing started in July 1590 but lasted longer than expected because of a paper shortage. The Nomenclator was printed between February and May 1591 (the title page was dated 1591). The rest of the Theatrum was printed in the summer of 1591 The first copies were delivered on 6 August 1591. The colophon, however, has the date 1592. The Plantin Press printed 525 copies of this edition.

Seller Inventory # 29300

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum.
• Publisher: Chr. Plantin
• Publication Date: 1592
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket
• Signed: Inscribed by Illustrator(s)