Abraham Ortelius (4 or 14 April 1527 in Antwerp - 28 June 1598, Antwerp) was a Brabantian cartographer, geographer, and cosmographer, conventionally recognized as the creator of the first modern atlas, the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum (Theatre of the World). Along with Gemma Frisius and Gerardus Mercator, Ortelius is generally considered one of the founders of the Netherlandish school of cartography and geography. He was a notable figure of this school in its golden age (approximately 1570s–1670s) and an important geographer of Spain during the age of discovery. The publication of his atlas in 1570 is often considered as the official beginning of the Golden Age of Netherlandish cartography. He was the first person proposing that the continents were joined (Pangaea) before drifting to their present positions.
Greece. "Graecia". Orig. copper-engraving from the Latin edition of A. Ortelius' Epitome, published in Antwerp by J. B. Vrienst, 1609. With ornamental title-cartouche and Latin title above the map. 9:12 cm (3 1/2 x 4 3/4 inch.).
Greece. "Tempe". Original copper-engraving, A. Ortelius, Antwerp, 1590. Orig. old colouring. With ornamental title cartouche, another ornamental cartouche with a part of Ovidius' description of Tempe, a ship and many figures. 36,5:48 cm (14 1/2 x 19 inch.).
Hainaut (Heynowes - Belgian province). "Hannonia". Orig. copper-engraving from the Latin edition of A. Ortelius' Epitome, published in Antwerp by J. B. Vrienst, 1609. With ornamental title-cartouche, the scale of map ("Miliaria Hannonica") and Latin title ("Hannoniae Comitatvs") above...
Holland. "Hollandia". Orig. copper-engraving from the French edition of A. Ortelius' Epitome, published in Antwerp by Plantin Press for F. Galle, 1598. With ornamental title-cartouche and Latin title above the map. 8:11 cm (3 1/4 x 4 1/4 inch.).
Netherlands. "Hollandia". Orig. copper-engraving from A. Ortelius' "Außzug auß ...", published by L. Hulsius in Frankfurt am Main, 1604. With ornamental title-cartouche with the scale of map ("Miliaria Holland") and printed Latin heading-title...
Holy Land (Israel / Palestine). "Terra Sancta". Orig. copper-engraving from the French edition of A. Ortelius' Epitome, published in Antwerp by Plantin Press for F. Galle, 1598. With ornamental title-cartouche, scale of map and Latin title ("Palaestina")...
Holy Land (Israel / Palestine). "Terra Sancta". Orig. copper-engraving from the Latin edition of A. Ortelius' Epitome. Published by J. B. Vrients in Antwerp, 1609. With ornamental title-cartouche, a cartouche with the scale of map and Latin title...
Hungary. "Hungaria". Orig. copper-engraving from the French edition of A. Ortelius' Epitome. Published in Antwerpen by J. B. Vrienst, 1602. With decorative title-cartouche with the scale of map ("Scala milliarium"). 7,5:11 cm (3 x 4 1/4 inch.).
Hungary. "Hungaria". Orig. copper-engraving from the German edition of A. Ortelius' Epitome, published in Frankfurt am Main by L. Hulsius (Hulst), 1604. With ornamental title-cartouche, the scale of map ("Scala milliarium") and Latin title above the map....
East Indies. "Indiae Orientalis Insularumque Adiacentium Typus". Orig. copperplate engraving, A. Ortelius, 1570. Orig. old colouring. With ornament. title cartouche, a coat of arms, mermaids and sea creatures. 35:50 cm.
Mediterranean islands. "Insularum aliquot Maris Mediterranei descriptio". Orig copperplate engraving, A. Ortelius, 1570. Orig. old colouring. With decorative title-cartouche. 36:47,5 cm.
Ischia. "Ischia Insula". Orig. copper-engraving from the German edition of A. Ortelius' Epitome ("Außzug auß des ... Ortely Theatro Orbis"). Published by L. Hulsius in Frankfurt am Main, 1604. With ornamental title-cartouche, the scale of map...
Ischia. "Ischia, quae olim Aenaria". Orig. copperplate engraving, A. Ortelius, 1590. Coloured. With ornament. title-cartouche, 2 other cartouches and a depiction of a naval battle. 36:48 cm.
Istria (Croatia). "Histria". Orig. copper-engraving from the French edition of A. Ortelius' Epitome, published in Antwerp by Plantin Press for F. Galle, 1598. With ornamental title-cartouche and Latin title above the map. 8:11 cm (3 1/4 x 4 1/4 inch.).
Northern Italy. "Italia Gallica, sive Gallia Cisalpina". Orig. copperplate engraving, A. Ortelius, 1590. Orig. old colouring. Mit ornament. title-cartouche and 3 other cartouches. 34,5:46 cm.
Italy. "Italiae Typus". Orig. copper-engraving from the French edition of A. Ortelius' Epitome, published in Antwerp by Plantin Press for F. Galle, 1598. With title in upper right corner of the map and Latin title above the map. 8:11 cm (3 1/4 x 4...
Kola (Peninsula) - Russia. "Lappiae Pars. Cola". Orig. copper-engraving from the German edition of A. Ortelius' Epitome, published in Frankfurt am Main by L. Hulsius (Hulst), 1604. With title in desk, ornamental cartouche with 3 figures, another 2 figures in the map,...
Luxembourg. "Lutzenburg". Orig. copper-engraving from the Latin edition of A. Ortelius' Epitome. Published by J. B. Vrients in Antwerp, 1609. With ornamental title-cartouche, the scale of map ("Scala milliar.") and Latin title ("Lvtzenbvrgensis Dvcatvs")...
Malta. "Malta olim Melita". Orig. copper-engraving from the German edition of A. Ortelius' Epitome ("Außzug auß des ... Ortely Theatro Orbis"). Published by L. Hulsius in Frankfurt am Main, 1604. With ornamental title-cartouche, the scale of map...
Marche. "Marca Anconitana". Orig. copper-engraving from the French edition of A. Ortelius' Epitome, published in Antwerp by Plantin Press for F. Galle, 1598. With decorative title-cartouche, the scale of map ("Mill. Italica") and Latin title ("Anconitana...
Marche, Ancona. "Marca Anconitana". Orig. copper-engraving from the German edition of A. Ortelius' Epitome, published in Frankfurt am Main by L. Hulsius (Hulst), 1604. With ornamental title-cartouche, the scale of map ("Mill. Italica") and Latin title above the...
Morocco. "Fessae, et Marocci Regna". Orig. copper-engraving from the German edition of A. Ortelius' Epitome ("Außzug auß des ... Ortely Theatro Orbis"). Published by L. Hulsius in Frankfurt am Main, 1604. With ornamental title-cartouche and...
Milan (province). "Ducatus Mediolanensis, cum vicinis Regionibus". Orig. copper-engraving from the Latin edition of A. Ortelius' Epitome, published in Antwerp by J. B. Vrienst, 1609. With ornamental title-cartouche, the scale of map ("Milliaria Italica") and Latin...
Morava. "Moraviae, quae olim Marcomannorum Sedes, corographia". Pův., kolorovaná mědirytina podle P. Fabritiovy mapy Moravy. A. Ortelius, Antverpy, 1572. S velkou ornamentální tit. kartuší, další kartuší s vysvětlivkami a dekorativním...
Namur Province. "Namurcum Comitatus". Orig. copperplate engraving, A. Ortelius, 1579 after J. Surhon's map of the region. Original old colouring. 38,5:50,5 cm.
Turkey, Asia Minor, Cyprus, and the Eastern Mediterranean. "Natoliae, quae olim Asia Minor, nova descriptio. Aegypti recentior descriptio. Carthaginis celeberrimi sinus typus". Three maps printed from one plate. Orig. copperplate engraving, A. Ortelius, 1570. Original old colouring. 32:49 cm.
Northeast Asia - Tartary. "Tartaria". Orig. copper-engraving from the Latin edition of A. Ortelius' "Epitome Theatri Orbis Terrarum", published in Antwerp by J. B. Vrienst, 1609. With engraved title in map and Latin heading-title. 8,5:12,5 cm (3 1/2 x 5 inch.).
Orvieto. "Oropitum". Orig. copper-engraving from the Latin edition of A. Ortelius' Epitome. Published by J. B. Vrients in Antwerp, 1609. With ornamental title-cartouche, the scale of map ("Milliaria Italica") and Latin title above the map ("Orvietvm")....
Ottoman Empire. "Turcicum Imperium". Orig. copper-engraving from the Latin edition of A. Ortelius' Epitome. Published by J. B. Vrients in Antwerp, 1609. With ornamental title-cartouche and Latin title above the map. 9:12 cm (3 1/2 x 4 3/4 inch.).
Veneto and Apulia. "Patavini Territorii ... Apuliae quae olim Iapygia ...". Orig. copperplate engravings after G. Gastaldi's maps. Published by A. Ortelius, 1592. Orig. old colouring. 2 maps printed from two plates, each 31:22 cm.
Veneto (Padua and Treviso). "Patavini Territorii Corographia" + "Tarvisini Agri Typus". Orig. copperplate engravings, A. Ortelius, 1595. With 2 ornament. title-cartouches, a coat-of-arms and a cart. with the scale of maps. 31:23 cm + 31:24 cm.
Province of Padua. "Patavinvm Ter.". Orig. copperplate engraving from the German edition of A. Ortelius' Epitome ("Außzug auß des ... Ortely Theatro Orbis"). Published by L. Hulsius in Frankfurt am Main, 1604. 9:12 cm.
Piedmnot and Liguria. "Pedemontanae Vicinorumque Regionum". Orig., copperplate engraving after G. Gastaldi's map of the region. A. Ortelius, Antwerp, 1570. With ornament. title-cartouche, a cart. with the scale of map and a ship. 37:49 cm.
Eastern Mediterranean. "Peregrinationis Divi Pauli Typus Corographicus". Orig. copperplate engraving, A. Ortelius, 1579. Orig. old colouring. With decorative title-cartouche with scenes from the life of St.Paul on the sides. 35:50,5 cm.
Persia. "Persia". Orig. copper-engraving from A. Ortelius' French ed. of his "Epitome", published in Antwerp by J. B. Vrienst, 1602. With ornamental title-cartouche, a cartouche with the scale of map ("Scala leucar.") and French heading-title. 7,5:11 cm...
Persia. "Persia". Orig. copper-engraving from A. Ortelius' "Epitome", published in Antwerp by J. B. Vrienst, 1609. With ornamental title-cartouche, a cartouche with the scale of map ("Scala leucarum") and Latin heading-title. 8,5:12,5 cm (3 1/2 x 5 inch.).
Perugia. "Perusia". Orig. copper-engraving from the Latin edition of A. Ortelius' Epitome. Published by J. B. Vrients in Antwerp, 1609. With ornamental title-cartouche with the scale of map ("Scala milliar. Italicor") and Latin title above the map...
Perugia. "Perusini agri ... descriptio". Orig. copperplate engravng, A. Ortelius, 1584 after I. Danti's map of the region. Orig. old colouring. With ornement. title-cartouche. 33:47 cm.
Piedmont. "Pedemontanae Vicinorumque". Orig. copper-engraving from the French edition of A. Ortelius' Epitome, published in Antwerp by Plantin Press for F. Galle, 1598. With title-cartouche, a cartouche with the scale of map and Latin title above the map.
Portugal. "Portugallia". Orig. copper-engraving from the French edition of A. Ortelius' Epitome, published in Antwerp by Plantin Press for F. Galle, 1598. With title-cartouche and Latin title above the map. 8:11 cm (3 1/4 x 4 1/4 inch.).
Bohemia. "Regni Bohemiae Descriptio". Orig. copper-engraving, A. Ortelius, Antwerp, 1570. Ori. old colouring. With ornamental title-cartouche with Czech coat-of-arms and another ornamental cartouche with the scale of map. 34:51 cm (13 1/2 x 20 inch.).
Kingdom of Naples. "Regni Neapolitani ... descriptio". Orig. copperplate engraving, A. Ortelius, 1570 after P. Ligorio's map of the region. Orig. old colouring. With decorative title cartouche, a ship and a wind-rose. 36,5:50 cm.
Tyrol, Slovenia and Croatia. "Rhetiae alpestris descriptio, in qua hodie Tirolis Comitatus." [together with] "Goritiae, Karstii, Chaczeolae, Carniolae, Histriae, et Windorum Marchae descrip.". Orig. copper engraving, A. Ortelius, 1573. 34:50 cm.
Roman Campagna. "Romanum Teritorium". Orig. copper-engraving from the Latin edition of A. Ortelius' Epitome. Published by J. B. Vrients in Antwerp, 1609. With ornamental title-cartouche, the scale of map ("Milliaria Italica") and Latin title above the map....
Eastern Balkans. "Romaniae, (quae olim Thracia dicta) vicinorumque regionum ...". Orig. copperplate engraving after G. Gastadi's map of the region. Published by A. Ortelius, 1584. Orig. old colouring. 36:49,5 cm.
Rome (Campagna di Roma). "Romanum Territorium.". Orig. copper-engraving from the French edition of A. Ortelius' "Epitome du Theatre du Monde", published in Antwerp by Plantin, 1598. With Latin heading-title and a cartouche with the scale of map ("Scala milliariu"). 8:11...
Russia. "Russia". Orig. copper-engraving from the German edition of A. Ortelius' Epitome ("Außzug auß des ... Ortely Theatro Orbis"). Published by L. Hulsius in Frankfurt am Main, 1604. With ornamental title-cartouche and German title ("Moßkau") above...
Salzburg. "Salisburgensis Iurisdictionis ... vera descriptio". Orig. copper-engraving, A. Ortelius, 1570 after M. Setznagel's map of the region. With 2 small coats of arms and great view of the city of Salzburg lower right. 33,5:43,5 cm.
Sardinia (Sardegna - Italy). "Sardinia". Orig. copper-engraving from A. Ortelius' "Epitome", published in Antwerp by Plantin Press for Filips Galle, 1598. With ornamental title-cartouche, a ship, a sea-creature and French title above the map. 8:11 cm (3 1/4 x 4 1/4 inch.).
Sardinia (Sardegna - Italy). "Sardinia". Orig. copper-engraving from A. Ortelius' "Epitome", published in Antwerp by J. B. Vrienst, 1609. With ornamental title-cartouche and title above the map. 8,5:12 cm (3 1/2 x 4 3/4 inch.).