| Abraham Ortelius — Turcici Imperii Descriptio |
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Turcici Imperii Descriptio Works Of Abraham Ortelius |
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Theatrum Orbis Terrarum Published: Antwerp (1570-c.1598) Medium: Engraving Dimensions: 15 x 16 1/2 inches A highly important and decorative sixteenth century map of the Ottoman Empire, which at the time of publication encompassed the present nations of Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Greece. The map originally appeared in the first edition (1570) of Ortelius’ Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, and was included in all subsequent editions (to 1612.) This example does not agree bibliographically with any copy noted by Koeman, but is numbered “110”, is from a Latin edition probably published in or about 1598. The Theatrum is one of the most highly acclaimed of all Renaissance illustrated books. It was the first true atlas in the modern sense of the word, that is to say, a bound collection of maps that comprehensively covers all parts of the world, and with the maps engraved on a uniform format. Ortelius’ map of the Ottoman Empire was one of the most influential maps of the Middle East to appear in the sixteenth century. At lower left is a large decorative title cartouche with winged mermaids and putti. |
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