HISPANIAE VETERIS DESCRIPTIO. Ex conatibus Geographicis Abrah. Ortely.

Very interesting and decorative map of the Iberian penninsula, surrounded by stipple engraved seas full of ships and sea monsters, from the famous Ortelius’ atlas Theatrum Orbis Terrarum as a part of one of Parergon editions (a series of maps reconstructed from antiquity). The map was based on modern information from Clusius' six-sheet map of 1571 with ancient knowledge from Strabo, Appianus, Bongarius, Livius, Valerius Maximus and Suetonius. A strapwork title cartouche top left. Cartouche bottom left: With an imperial, royal and Belgian privilege for ten years. 1586. Dedicated to the excellent theologist Lord Benedictus Arias Montanus, a man well versed in languages, knowledgeable in matters, and with great integrity in life by Abraham Ortelius in friendship and due reverence. Inset map of region of Tartetes (Cadiz and sourroundings). Cartouche bottom right: hispaniae loca aliquot incognitae positionis (followed by 17 lines with people, places, mountains, rivers and sources of unknown location). Latin text on verso.Abraham Ortelius' Theatrum Orbis Terrarum is considered to be the first atlas ever printed. It was first published in 1570, and ultimately went through over 30 editions in 7 languages over the next 42 years. This was the first time a group of maps were published together in uniform style and size with sustaining text. Ortelius’ atlas is considered a milestone in the history of cartography and it marks the beginning of the golden age of Flemish and Dutch cartography with cartographers from the Low Countries dominating the map trade until the end of the 17th century.

Fine condition; centrefold reinforced; light stains to the margins, not affecting the image.