1613 – A. Ortelius – Acores Insulae

Title:                      “AÇORES INSVLAE.” & “Has insulas perlustravit summaque diligentia accuratissime descrip: sit et delineavit Ludovicus Teisera Lusitanus, Regiæ Maiestatis cosmographus. ANNO A CHRISTO NATO, MDLXXXIIII.”
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Description:
Very decorative antique map of the the Azores archipelago by Abraham Ortelius, based on Luis Teixeira’s cartographic work. The map illustrates the islands with pictorial relief and is decorated with ornate cartouches, sailing ships, and sea monsters typical of the period. The large cartouche at the bottom credits Teixeira’s diligent description and delineation of the islands. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Azores were a vital transit point for navigators crossing the Atlantic, including Christopher Columbus and Jan Huygen van Linschoten.

The map comes from rare Dutch edition of Ortelius atlas “Theatrum Orbis Terrarum. Auctoris aere & cura impressum absolutumque apud Aegid. Coppenium Diest, Antverpiae…”, engraved by Frans Hogenberg, published in Antwerp, 1613.

Cartographer/ publisher:            Abraham Ortelius (1527 – 1598)​
Sheet size:                                            58,1 x 44,0 cm
Year:                                                       1613
Technique:                                           copper engraving

Condition:
Good condition. Strong press on watermarked paper.

This is an original antique map published in 1613 and NOT a modern copy or reprint