It is a significant improvement over all previous maps of Iceland and thus it is believed that it was drawn by a native Icelander, probably Gudbrandur Thorlaksson, a bishop who studied mathematics and astronomy in Copenhagen.
While containing many inaccuracies, the map, provides the first meaningful depiction of Iceland’s known settlements along with many other points of interest. Iceland itself sports more than two hundred place names, probably taken from the Danish.
#Antique maps ortelius full#
Each is assigned a letter of the alphabet and described in full detail on the verso. Myriad fanciful sea monsters and other creatures inhabit the seas surrounding the island. Abraham Ortelius, Prachtvolle Kupferstichkarte by Auktionshaus Mehlis GmbH. Large sections and trunks of trees float off the coast. 1595 Sir Francis Drakes Old World Voyages Exploration Vintage Inspired Map by Weatherham Estate Treasures. In the upper right quadrant we see Polar Bears floating on icebergs just off the coast. Ortelius depicts mountains and volcanoes, with Mount Hekla actually erupting, with flames shooting high into the sky, and spuming volcanic material. Here we see Iceland depicted in minute detail with all geophysical features which were known to be extant at the time noted. It is a classic in the history of mapmaking, not only for its decorative appeal, but for being the first relatively accurate map of Iceland taken from indigenous sources. This information is adopted from the Printed World catalogue series, one of the most enjoyable and informative Australian Antique map catalogues available, created and compiled by Simon Dewez.High Resolution Image By: Abraham Ortelius Date: 1585 (dated) Antwerp Original Size: 13.25 x 19.5 inches (33.6 cm x 50 cm) This is a fine reproduction of a spectacular Ortelius map of Iceland. Wide margins and fine condition.Published in the fourth Additamentum to supplement Ortelius' 'Theatrum Orbis Terrarum' from 1590 up until 1624. In the corners, four medallions are added each containing a modern rendition of the four known continents.Ī grant of privilege with Ortelius' imprint and the date 1590 appears in the bottom cartouche. Ortelius' map is further divided into climatic zones with the note that the polar regions are uninhabitable. Īfrica is shown only as far south as the source of the Nile, while the East Indies and east coast of China are not included. On Ptolemy's original map, Africa was in fact joined to Asia by a southern landmass creating a land locked Indian Ocean. Geographically speaking, Ortelius' map is more accurate than Ptolemy's original 2nd century world map concepts, however it does cover the same area as its predecessor and does exclude the Americas. The Parergon included this classic world map more or less following the views of the second century Alexandrian Claudius Ptolemy. Shirley notes that Ortelius himself may have engraved the maps from this section, as classical history was a favourite area of study for him. It wasn't until the 1590 edition that a section devoted to classical history called the 'Parergon' was issued. Regarded as the first 'modern' atlas, it comprised maps of similar size and style.
Ortelius' famous atlas 'Theatrum Orbis Terrarum' was first published in 1570.