Ducatus Urbini nova et exacta descriptio

Geographic map, from Ortelius’ Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, Latin edition printed in 1608. Though the plate bears the date of 1606, the map has been published only from 1608 on.

Due to the close resemblance, very likely Vrients drove his inspiration from Magini’s work, though he did not mention him as the author.

The Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, is considered the first true modern "Atlas". The work was published in 7 languages and 36 editions, for which - in 1570 - Ortelius obtained the privilege, a kind of copyright that prevented other cartographers from publishing his works. The Theatrum represented the most advanced work of cartographic description. Ortelius collected in it the geographical and cartographic knowledge of his time, proposing in 147 spectacular engraved plates the most faithful image of the world then known and, in some extraordinary "historical maps", regions and routes taken from literature, mythology, tradition. Ortelius was also the first to cite sources, mentioning the names of cartographers in the "catalogus auctorum". From 1598 to 1612 the posthumous editions of the Theatrum were made by his collaborator Johannes Baptiste Vrients.

Copper engraving, contemporary colour, small lower margins, in excellent condition. Very rare.

Bibliografia

Van den Broecke 135, Mangani/Mariano, Il disegno del territorio, pp.124/5, 6.