1652 (1598) ORTELIUS Geography of the Bible + WORLD MAP Jansson Imprint of the ORIGINAL "Geographia Sacra" RARE Start Price USD 799.99 Current Price USD 799.99 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Sunday, June 29, 2008 End Time Wednesday, July 09, 2008 Location Indianapolis, IN See more about '1652 (1598) ORTELIUS Geography of the Bible + WORLD MAP' Description Geographia Sacra 48 x 36 cm copperplate engraving, 60 x 49 cm sheet size, original hand colour, Antwerp and Amsterdam, 1598, printed 1652 We are pleased to offer this scarce original map of the world as known to the writers of the Bible from the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum of Abraham Ortelius (1527-1598), the first true atlas in the modern sense.  This example of "historical cartography" was published in the Parergon section of the Theatrum on the title page of which Ortelius notes that these historical maps "are published separately from the Theatrum, where places are shown as they are in the present day" and that he "includes them as a supplement at the instigation of friends."  No matter the self-effacing introduction, it is evident that Ortelius put far more personal effort into the maps of the Parergon than the "present day" maps of the Theatrum which in most cases were entirely composed by other cartographers, with his contribution little more than editor and compiler. Ortelius here presents the world as it was described in biblical accounts, with a beautiful inset map of the "modern world" included for good measure.  This state of the map was used only in the 1598 and 1601 editions of the Theatrum, as it was replaced in 1603 with a plate of identical cartography but different decorative elements by the printer Vrients.  This example of the map, with no text on verso, was printed in 1652 by Jan Jansson (1588-1664, also known as Janssonius), the chief competitor of the Blaeu family during the golden age of Dutch map-making. The charming explanatory cartouche features a trio of geographers and contains somewhat odd commentary that advises that because "Ophir (India) could not be included on the map we present this separate world map on which we note disagreements of various writers.  For our opinion on the matter, if you will allow me, you may turn to our geographical repository."  This would appear to be a reference to the biblical account of Solomon importing precious metals and exotic goods from Ophir in the east, which over time came to be understood as meaning India owing to the Coptic name for the region being "Sophir".  Accordingly, the inset world map again returns to the Ophir theme, with four possible locations shown - India, South America, southern Africa and the Caribbean!  Measuring just 10 x 6 cm, the owner of this map can truthfully say that he or she owns an original Ortelius world map.  Quotation in border is from Psalm 24: "The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein."  Note speculative polar continents and large island in the general vicinity of Australia, a pure coincidence of course. To get a sense of map detail consider that the distance from Jerusalem to Persepolis in Persia as seen in the photo below measures just 9 cm actual size.  Note wild distortion of Caspian Sea: Putti present a handsome mileage scale: From Esdras 7:3 "The sea is set in a wide place, that it might be deep and great": Jansson did not include Ortelius' original text on verso but seeing how it is a fascinating document in and of itself that provides some insight into Ortelius' aesthetic sensibilities we offer representative excerpts below derived from the 1606 English edition published in London: Behold now that which we have promised you students of Divinity and Holy Writ - at length we offer for your view, namely, a Map of Sacred Geography, or of such places as are named by holy writers in the books of the Old and New Testaments.  Whether it is as exact as the matter requires and is what you look for I know not, but that it is done with my best ability and skill (whereof in any matter, and therefore in this especially I dare not much rely) I know and can truly protest.  Yet notwithstanding, I do acknowledge and willingly confesses that I have not bereaved the learned of their due commendation but have done what we could, seeing that we might not perform what we would.  Therefore what we here offer it is rather our will than our wish.  Two things, dear Reader, we desire you observe and mark, before you judge and censure our labour.  First, we have followed the Septuagint translation in the geographic names of places because of its uniformity.  The Latin translations are so many and so different that the naming of places varies much from one to another so that words are translated differently with regard to interpretation, sense and meaning...The other thing, gentle Reader, which I would have you observe as is necessary least prejudice go before sound judgement is that the seats of all places of Palestine are not set down in this Map but just a few of those that are more famous...what is wanting here may be supplied out of two of the maps of Tileman Stella, and the maps titled the Peregrination of St. Paul and the Peregrinatioin of the Patriarch Abraham.  For if all this should have been portrayed and joined together in one and the same map it would grow much too great and would exceed this a hundred times in size and would be not only troublesome in use but unpleasant to the eye... We have set the Map of the whole World in a place of void whereby the diligent student of Divinity by conferring might easily see how great a portion of the same is mentioned and comprehended in the Holy History and at the same time to find out the situation and position of two famous places mentioned in the Holy Scriptures, namely the country Ophir and the Earthly Paradise...Of Paradise there is controversy and question amongst the Divines.  Most men place it in the east, others in Syria; Postellus under the north pole.  Some guess it to be below the equator while our countryman Gorpoius is persuaded that it is in Indoscythia on the River Indus in India.  Some of the ancient writers imagined it to reach as high as the sphere of the moon... Condition - Please note carefully:  The map is in overall very good condition as can judged from photos, strong impression with a distinct platemark and wide margins, fine quality laid paper, centrefold as issued.  The map exhibits a minor diagonal crease to the right of centrefold and some very faint (scarcely discernable) smudges in unprinted area below top margin that appear to be "as issued" artifacts of the printing process. In all, a fine example of a much sought-after map that will make an elegant presentation if matted and framed.  Inquiries welcome and we encourage you to visit our other auctions on eBay. Note: Final auction price includes insured shipment within continental United States. All other customers to pay actual shipping costs via traceable means including full insurance.  International bidders are wholly responsible for any applicable customs, duties or taxes upon receipt. Terms and Conditions - Please read carefully: Payment accepted via PayPal. 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