Geographica sacra

Colouring: Coloured

Condition: Good

Confirmed: No

Description: Abraham Ortelius, a pioneering mapmaker, published the first comprehensive collection of uniformly sized maps, titled Theatrum Orbis Terrarum (Theatre of the World). Released in 1570, this groundbreaking work established the modern concept of the world atlas and set a new standard for cartography. nIn addition to the Theatrum, Ortelius created the Parergon (Supplement), a meticulously researched index of the classical world featuring a series of ancient maps, drawn and researched by Ortelius. The first three Parergon map appeared as supplements to the 1579 edition of the Theatrum. Over time, more maps were added, bringing the total to 55 known engravings. The Parergon was highly successful both as a supplement to the Theatrum and as a standalone work (published in 1595 and 1624). It was translated into French, German, Italian, and English, and regularly printed until 1612.nThis Sacred Geography map, from the 1612 edition by Jean Baptiste Vrients, depicts the ancient world on a Ptolemaic projection. It illustrates the lands, peoples, and nations described in the Old and New Testament. It adheres to the traditional tripartite division of the Old World into Europe, Asia, and Africa. Notably, Africa is labelled Phut, a reference to the biblical figure Ham, traditionally believed to have settled in Libya. nAs the map geographic knowledge is solely derived from biblical texts, many regions are only rudimentarily represented or left entirely blank. In Europe, only a few major cities are individually marked, while in Africa, only Egyptian cities and Carthage are depicted. In contrast, the Holy Land is meticulously mapped, with numerous biblical cities, towns, and villages, many labelled with their Hebrew names.nA distinctive feature of the map is the inclusion of two cartouches discussing the legendary land of Ophir, the fabled source of gold. A small inset map, essentially a miniature version of Ortelius's world map, shows various proposed locations of Ophir according to different geographical sources. Ortelius believed that, if such a place existed, its most likely location was in southern Africa.nCartographically, the map is notable for its depiction of the poles. It shows a separate landmass in the Arctic, labelled Hyperborea, and a landmass at the South Pole, called Hypernotia.nCartouche lower left:nOphiram regionem quia hæc tabula comprehendere non poterat, hanc aream universalem hic seorsim delineavimus, in qua illam ex dissentientium scriptorum iudicio notavimus. Nostram vero de eadem sententiam si quis intelligere aveat, Thesaurum nostrum Geographicum adeat, censuramosque suam (per me enim licebit) addat.nSince this map could not include the Ophira region, we have depicted it separately here, noting the disagreements in the judgments of various authors. For those wishing to understand our true opinion on this matter, let them consult our Geographical Treasure, and if they permit, they may add their own critiques.nInset map:nHæc notula locum Ophiræ designatnThis small map marks the location of Ophira.nSurrounding text:nDOMINI EST TERRA ET PLENITVDO ORBIS TERRARVM ET VNIVERSI QVI HABITANT IN EO nThe earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell in it (Psalm 24).nCartouche bottom right:nREVERENDO ET ILLVSTRI DNO GVILELMO GRIMBERGIO, ANTVERPIENSI PRÆSVLI DIGNISSIMO, Abrah. Ortelius obsequij devotionisque ergo dedicabat et consecrabat.nAbraham Ortelius devotes and consecrates this work with obedience and devotion to the reverend and illustrious gentleman, Guilelmus Grimbergen, the most esteemed chairman of Antwerp.

Engraver: Wierex, Jan

First published: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum: Parergon Ed. Jean Baptiste Vrients, Antwerp: 1608

Mapmaker: Ortelius, Abraham (1527-1598)

Notes: Purchase details

Other states: 1608, First

Primary Category: World

References: Van den Broecke, M. 179; cf Laor, E. 549.

Technique: Copper Engraving

This state: 1612, Second