Estimate € 10,000 - 15,000
Sold € 18,000
Auction: 31 January 2023 at 15:00
ORTELIUS, Abraham (1527-1598) - Theatrum orbis terrarum.. Nomenclator ptolemaicus. Antwerp: Christopher Plantin, 1579. First edition of the Theatrum printed by Plantin and second Latin edition of this seminal atlas first published in 1570. This copy contains the Theatrum and Nomenclatur and only the first 88 of the 93 maps usually included in the 1579 edition. It could therefore be a variant published before the one conforming to Koenman Ort 15A which is the first to contain the Parergon (not present here) and the final 5 maps. The theory that it may be an earlier issue is also reinforced by the fact that 17 of the maps probably come from the 1573 edition, being numbered differently and then corrected in ink on a paper label. The maps are generally in good condition, a little browned, with only some light moisture stains and sporadic tear. 2 (of 3?) parts in one volume (without the Parergon), folio (447 x 290mm). Engraved architectural title and portrait of Ortelius on leaf B4v, the first 88 engraved double-page maps on guards only, woodcut vignette at the title of the Nomenclator, penultimate leaf with the privilege on recto and approval and colophon on verso, with final blank and with the pagination error on p. 29, erroneously signed as p.17 in the Nomenclatur, woodcut initials and headpieces, authors' catalog with 120 names; maps 9-12, 42, 44, 49, 52, 55, 57, 59, 64, 67, 71, 73, 75 and 80 from an earlier edition (1573?) with ancient numbering 6A, 6B, 6C , 6D, 24A, 24B, 27A, 29A, 30A, 31A, 32A, 34A, 36A, 39A, 40A, 41A and 44A then covered by a paper label and corrected by an antique hand (without maps 89. Presbyteri Iohannis, 90. Barbariae, 91. Peregrinationis Divi Pauli, 92. Romani Imperii Imago, 93. Ellas. Graecia, Sophiani which have never been inserted in the original binding, without the leaves relating to the Parergon; browning, some light staining and damping and heavy dampstaining in the final part of the work, but after the end of the maps, map 2. Europe with a light crease, maps 3, 4, 6, 58. Asia, Africa, Hispaniae Novae and Italia with tear at the center fold without loss, maps 67. Senae urbis and 83. Tartaria with tear without loss, some other sporadic tears). Contemporary Dutch calf richly decorated in gilt on covers and spine, and in gilt and blind on edges (unfortunately very damaged). Koeman, Atlante Neerlandici, Ort 15A (but a variant? with the first 88 maps only and without the Parergon). Provenance: Ferdinando Valperga, Marquis of Rivara (Knight of the Order of the Redentore and Captain of the Guards of Mantua; ownership inscription on front endpaper dated 1701).
Estimate € 10,000 - 15,000