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Americas. ORTELIUS, A. [Antwerp: 1570 [1571]] Americae Sive Novi Orbis, Nova Descriptio. 14 ½ x 20 inches. Fine original color, refreshed; mended split in left margin just entering surface, very slight fold wear, excellent condition with a sharp impression. When this map was appeared, only the southeastern of the North America had been explored and mapped to any extent, and as can be seen from the map, the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions were but dimly understood. This was in large part due to the fact that European settlement and colonization of these areas had yet to begin. Nevertheless, it was at this critical historical juncture that Ortelius' map provided Europeans with their best general depiction of the Western Hemisphere. Perhaps Ortelius' greatest asset as a mapmaker was his ability to tap the best sources of his day. Most remarkable was that he drew upon Spanish and Portuguese sources at a time when both nations attempted to keep their geographical information secret. We can see the results in this map in the Spanish-held areas of California, Mexico, and South America, which are very well detailed. In its design and engraving, this map, with its classical, architectural cartouche and the fluted corners providing balance and elegance, is justly regarded as one of the most satisfying in Ortelius' oeuvre. Schwartz / Ehrenberg, p. 69; Burden 39, state 2; van den Broecke, Ort 9 1571L2; van der Krogt 9000: 31A:002.
The "first map of the Americas to appear in a modern atlas," (Schwartz) and one that “had a great influence on the future cartography of the New World” (Burden). This an excellent example with original color that appeared the year following the 1570 first issue of the atlas, which would remain in publication until 1612.
Price: $8,500.00