16th Century Maps

1584 Abraham Ortelius Map of Lower Burgundy, France Description of the Map: This antique map by Abraham Ortelius, titled "Bvrgvndiae Inferioris Qvae Dvcatvs Nomine Censetur Des," w...

Title: Original 16th-Century Map of the Ottoman Empire and Near East: *Turcici Imperii Descriptio* by Ortelius, 1571 This rare copperplate engraving, Turcici Imperii Descriptio, i...

Ptolemaic map of the Arabian Peninsula based on the 1548 map of Giacomo Gastaldi. It covers nearly all of the peninsula, but does not include the head of the Red Sea. The coastlines ...

Rare 1572 Map of Ancient Rome with Monuments by Ligorio, Braun & Hogenberg This remarkable 16th-century map, *Urbis Romae Situs cum ils quae adhuc Conspiciuntur Veter. Monumet Rel...

Antique map titled 'Indiae Orientalis Insularumque Adiacientium Typus'. Ortelius includes early European depictions of both Japan and China and is the first to name Formosa (Taiwan). The Philippines and East Indies or Spice Islands are shown based upon Portuguese and Spanish sources, and before their penetration by the Dutch. Japan is shown in kite form, as a large oval island...

"1573 Abraham Ortelius Map of Tartary, Japan, and Western North America" Description of the Map: This is an outstanding example of Abraham Ortelius' map titled "Tartariae Sive Magn...

Antique print titled 'Abbildung der Statt Rom/wie sie under Keyser Vespasiano und zu Plinii zeiten gewesen'. Woodcut of ancient Rome. This print originates from Munster's Cosmographi...

Description of the Engraving: Braun & Hogenberg’s "S. Galli Opp. et Monasterium Heluetiorum" from Civitates Orbis Terrarum (1575) This is an original, hand-colored copper engraving ...

Description: Antique map titled 'Sumatra ein grosse Insel / so von den alten Geographen Taprobana genennt worden'. Beautiful map of Sumatra and the southern part of Malaysia, with Si...

A framed hand-colored 16th century map of Northern Scotland by Gerard Mercator entitled "Scotiae pars Septentrionalis", published in Amsterdam in 1636. It is a highly detailed map of the northern part of Scotland, with the northwest Highlands and the cities Inverness and Aberdeen, as well as the Orkney Islands and the Hebrides. There is a decorative title cartouche in the upper left corner. The map is presented in an antiqued brown wood...

Antique map titled 'Der Statt Neptun (.).' Detailed plan of the Harbor of Nettuno, near Rome, from Munster's Cosmographia, one of the most influential cartographic works of the 16th century. The antique map titled 'Der Statt Neptun (.),' originating from Munster's renowned Cosmographia, unveils a detailed plan of the Harbor of Nettuno, situated near Rome. This influential cartographic work, crafted in the 16th century, stands as a testament to Munster's mastery in cartography and geographic depiction. The map meticulously portrays the Harbor of Nettuno, capturing its coastal features, the layout of the harbor, and possibly key landmarks or structures in the vicinity. Munster's expertise in cartography shines through in this intricate representation, offering a visual insight into the strategic maritime site near Rome. Being part of the Cosmographia, one of the era's most influential cartographic compilations, this map holds historical significance. Munster's work was esteemed for its accuracy and influence in shaping geographic knowledge during the 16th century. Adorned with Munster's characteristic artistic touches and possibly embellishments, this antique print not only serves as a navigational aid but also stands as a testament to the era's cartographic expertise, preserving the Harbor of Nettuno's significance in the maritime landscape near Rome. Artists and Engravers: Made by 'Sebastian Munster...

Title: Bird's-Eye View of Blâmont in Lorraine by Braun and Hogenberg, 1597 This copperplate engraving, published in 1597 by Braun and Hogenberg, depicts a bird's-eye view of the t...

This is a woodcut city view of Worms, published in Sebastian Münster's *Cosmographia* around 1578. The image depicts a bird's-eye view of the city of Worms, located in Rheinland-Pfal...

Early Woodcut Bird's Eye View of Rouffach, France, by Sebastian Münster, 1554 Description: This rare 1554 woodcut is a bird's eye view of Rouffach, a town in the Haut-Rhin departmen...

Bird's-Eye Views of Dunkerque, Gravelines, and Bourbourg by Braun and Hogenberg, 1597 This antique print, published in 1597 by Braun and Hogenberg, showcases three detailed bird's...

1579 Ornate Map of Burgundy County by Ferdinand de Lannoy Description of the Map: This is a beautifully detailed map of the Burgundy region, titled "Bvrgvndiae Comitatus Recentiss....

Original antique map titled "Graecia Sophiani." This is a very detailed and decorative engraved map, with two decorative cartouches and a hand-colored initial on the verso, from Abra...

This map, "Asiae I Tab:", features the region corresponding to modern-day Iran and Iraq, intricately depicted in Gerard Mercator's edition of Claudius Ptolemy's "Tabulae Geographicae...

Title: Huum opp. condrusorum caput (...) Anno partae salutis 1574. **Type:** Print (Colored Copper Engraving) **Year:** Circa 1580 **Technique:** Colored Copper Engraving **Medium:...

Antique map titled 'Tabula V Asiae'. Important early woodcut map of Persia, depicting the area of Mesopotamia, Armenia and the Gulf, to the Caspian and Carmania (Iran). Includes name...

Antique map titled 'Tabula Asiae XI'. Based on the interpretations of Solinus and Munster, this Ptolemaic map covers the region roughly of Thailand and Malaysia. An oddly shaped (Mal...

Bird’s-Eye View of Basel from Braun & Hogenberg’s "Civitates Orbis Terrarum" (Circa 1572-1617) This highly detailed map of Basel is a bird's-eye view, originally based on Sebastian Münster’s map...

Antique print titled 'Leodium'. View of Liège / Luik, Belgium with surrounding hills and the city wall. With text explaining the origins of Liège, a cartouche expressing thanks to th...

Title: "Braunschweig and Lüneburg Duchies: Authentic Depiction by Abraham Ortelius" This is an exquisite example of Abraham Ortelius’s cartographic craftsmanship: an original antiqu...

Antique map titled 'Belgii Veteris Typus'. Beautiful map of the Low Countries, extending to the English Channel and part of Britain. This map originates from Ortelius' 'Theatrum Orbi...

Antique map titled 'Tavola Nuova di Schiavonia'. Ruscelli's map of the Balkans, with a coat of arms. The mountains are represented, river systems are shown in detail, and cities, towns and ports denoted throughout this 16th century map. A number of islands in the Adriatic Sea are also shown. This map originates from 'Espositione & introduttioni universali di Gir. Ruscelli sopra tutta la Geografia di Tolomeo (..)' published by Girolamo Ruscelli, 1561. Girolamo Ruscelli (1500-1566) was a cartographer, humanist, and scholar from Tuscany. Ruscelli was a prominent writer and editor in his time, writing about a wide variety of topics including the works of Giovanni Boccaccio and Francesco Petrarch, Italian language, Italian poetry, medicine, alchemy, and militia. One of his most notable works was a translation of Ptolemy...

"Exquisite 1580 Ortelius Map of the Narbonne Coastal Region, France" Description of the Map: This map is an intricate copper etching from Abraham Ortelius's esteemed "Theatrum Orbi...

1597 Map of Alexandria by Georg Braun and Frans Hogenberg, Germany. From "Civitas Orbis Terrarum", part 2, published in Cologne by Bertram Buchholz. Printed in 2 parts. Title: "Alexa...

Beautiful and rare antique map of Greece with Albania, Mecedonia, Romania, Dalmatia and the peninsula of Salento to the Golf of Taranto. Also clearly shown the islands of the Aegaian...

Title: Avstriae Descrip – Wolfgang Lazius’ Map of Austria, 16th Century Description: This extraordinary map of Austria pays homage to the Austrian humanist and cartographer Wo...

GREAT BRITAIN -- "ENGELLANDT mit dem anstossenden Reich Schottlandt so vorzeiten Albion und Britannia haben geheissen". (Basel, c. 1590). Partly handcolored woodcut double-page map from S. Munster's 'Cosmographey'. 330 x 408 mm. (Lower margin cut short (touching the line), tiny hole in upper margin, sl. foxed/browned, lower right corner a bit thumbed). Sebastian Münster's 16th Century Map of the British Isles from 'Cosmographia Universalis...

Antique map titled 'Insularum Aliquot Maris Mediterranei Descriptio'. A very attractive example of Ortelius' map combining, on one page, maps of the islands of Sicily, Sardinia, Corfu, Elba, Malta and Zerbi (Jerba, off the coast of Tunisia.) The maps detail fortifications on the islands and other major features. (Jerba, for instance, is shown connected to the mainland by a causeway.) The waters are attractively engraved and are sailed by ships. A shipwreck, north of Malta, indicates the point at which St. Paul is thought to have shipwrecked. Volcanoes are indicated in the Sicily map...

This is a fine example of Ortelius' map of Switzerland from his *Theatrum Orbis Terrarum*, recognized as the first modern atlas of the world. The map is oriented with south at the top, which reverses the typical north-up orientation seen in most modern maps. It highlights significant geographical features such as Lake Geneva (Lemanus Lacus) to the right of the map and the Rhine river entering Switzerland near the center. The *Theatrum Orbis Terrarum*, first published in 1570 by Abraham Ortelius in Antwerp, was groundbreaking as it compiled uniform maps with supporting text in a single volume, marking a departure from earlier collections of maps that were custom-assembled on demand. This atlas included a wealth of sixteenth-century cartographic knowledge, reflecting the extensive global explorations occurring after the discovery of America...

Title: Early Woodcut Map of Europe from Münster's Cosmographia, 1574 This is an original early woodcut map of Europe by the famed cartographer Sebastian Münster, printed in 1574 by ...

Antique map titled 'Asiae XII Tab'. Mercator's Ptolemaic map of Taprobana. The map shows Ptolemy's erroneous location of the island of Sri Lanka near the equator, with a bit of India...

This remarkable map, titled "Asiae X Tab:", is a significant historical artifact that represents the convergence of knowledge and craftsmanship from two of the most esteemed figures in the history of geography and cartography. Created by Gerard Mercator and based on the geographical insights of Claudius Ptolemy, this map is part of the rare first issue published in Brussels in 1578. The map itself meticulously delineates the region between the Indus and Ganges rivers, an area of immense historical and geographical importance. It is an excellent representation of Ptolemy's second-century geographical data, which was fundamental in shaping the modern principles of mapmaking. Mercator, renowned for his precision and dedication to adhering closely to Ptolemy's original intentions, showcases this commitment through the detailed depiction of this significant Asian landscape. This edition stands out not only for its historical accuracy but also for its artistic execution. Gerard Mercator, who was also an innovator in the use of the italic hand for map lettering, first introduced this style in his "Literarum latinarum" in 1540. The use of italics in this map enhances its legibility and aesthetic appeal, which became a hallmark of the finest sixteenth and seventeenth-century Dutch maps, largely attributed to Mercator’s influence. The map measures 13 ½ x 18 inches and features fine hand coloring, which has been preserved in almost excellent condition alttough there some browning due to age. As a splendid example of the first issue from Mercator’s definitive edition of Ptolemy’s "Geographia", it not only serves as a testament to the rich history of geographical exploration but also stands as a beacon of the enduring legacy of its makers, shaping the future of cartographic design and precision. The map "Asiae X Tab:", focusing on the region between the Indus and Ganges rivers, highlights several areas and cities of historical and geographical importance that are likely of interest to scholars, historians, and collectors. Here are key locations depicted on the map: 1. **Indus River**: As one of the major rivers of Asia and a cradle of ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley Civilization, the Indus River holds significant historical importance. 2. **Ganges River**: Another crucial river not just for its cultural and religious significance in India, but also as a vital geographic feature in ancient and medieval maps...

Ven (older Swedish spelling Hven), is a Swedish island in the Öresund strait laying between Skåne, Sweden and Zealand and Denmark. The island was historically under Danish rule. Dani...

Friesland, Groningen, Drenthe, Overijssel – Antique Map by Sebastian Münster, 1574 This rare and finely colored woodcut map of Northern Netherlands depicts the provinces of Friesl...

Antique map titled 'Westfalia cum dioecelsi Bremensi'. Original antique map of Germany. Published by Mercator/Hondius, circa '1620' 17th Century antique detailled map of Westphali...

Antique map titled ‘Bolzvardia vetus in Frisia Foederis (..)’. Old map of the city of Bolsward, Friesland. Originally part of a sheet together with the cities of Stavoren, Harlingen ...

Title: Limburgum Oppidum Galliae Belgicae, vulgo Lympurch, gallicè, Lembor Dr. Type: Print (Copper Engraving) Circa 1580 Technique: Colored Copper Engraving Medium: Handmade Paper S...

Antique map titled 'Hispania Nova Tabula'. Ruscelli's map of Spain, including the Balearic Islands. This map originates from 'Espositione & introduttioni universali di Gir. Ruscelli sopra tutta la Geografia di Tolomeo (..)' published by Girolamo Ruscelli, 1561. Girolamo Ruscelli (1500-1566) was a cartographer, humanist, and scholar from Tuscany. Ruscelli was a prominent writer and editor in his time, writing about a wide variety of topics including the works of Giovanni Boccaccio and Francesco Petrarch, Italian language, Italian poetry, medicine, alchemy, and militia. One of his most notable works was a translation of Ptolemy’s Geographia...

Antique map titled 'Aegypti recentior descriptio - Carthaginis Celeberrimi sinus typus'. Two detailed regional maps by Ortelius. One map shows the region around the Nile, as far as A...

Antique print, titled: 'CXXII. Veneta Mulier' This rare early plate shows a woman from Venice, Italy in 16th century costume. From: 'Habitus praecipuorum populorum tam virorum qu...

Antique map titled 'Lewardum Occidentlis Frisiae Opp: 1580, Franicher Nobiliu hominum, in Frisia Occidentali, ut plurimum saedes'. This sheet contains two very detailed bird?s-ey...

Antique map titled 'Die Stat Grave' Bird's eye view plan of Grave, The Netherlands, Holland. Showing the siege of Grave in the year 1602 by Prince Maurits of The Netherlands. Source ...

Antique map titled 'Barbariae et Biledulgerid Nova Descriptio'. Original antique map of North Africa. The map covers the regions of Barbaria and Biledulgerid, essentially the territo...

Antique Map of Douai (France) titled 'Duacum, Catuacorum Urbs, tam situ, quam incolis, et litterarum studijs elegantissime ornata'. This map depicts the city of Douai (France) an...

The map consists of three distinct sections on a single folio sheet: 1. **Map of Turkey**: - Orientation: The map is oriented with the east at the top, which is a common practic...

Antique map titled 'Asiae IIII Tab'. Beautiful map of Mercator's Ptolemaic map of the Holy Land, Cyprus, Syria, etc. Originates from Mercator's 'Geograph...

Antique map titled 'Dordrecht'. Map of the city of Dordrecht, the Netherlands. Bird's-eye plan view of the city, with many ships and two coats of arms in upper corners. This map ...

Original Antique map of Asia, India, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Maldives by Rosaccio / Ruscelli in attractive coloring. Title: Calecut Nuova Tavola Year: 1599 Relief shown pictorially. ...

Antique map titled 'Dordrecht'. Map of the city of Dordrecht, the Netherlands. Bird's-eye plan view of the city, with many ships and two coats of arms in upper corners. This map orig...

Antique map titled 'Caletensium et Bononiensium (..)'. Two detailed regional maps on one sheet. The first map shows Belgian and French Coastal region, from Estaples to Gruerlinge...

Very rare untitled antique woodcut map showing the region of the missionary journeys of Apostle Paul. It shows the Mediterranean with Greece, Asia Minor (Turkey), Northern Africa, So...

Very handsome original old coloured copper engraving of China. The northern part of Japan is projected as well. Many cities and areas are mentioned in the old spelling, incl Malacca,...

Antique map titled 'Gallia Nova Tabula'. Ruscelli's map of France. This map originates from 'Espositione & introduttioni universali di Gir. Ruscelli sopra tutta la Geografia di Tolomeo (..)' published by Girolamo Ruscelli, 1561. Girolamo Ruscelli (1500-1566) was a cartographer, humanist, and scholar from Tuscany. Ruscelli was a prominent writer and editor in his time, writing about a wide variety of topics including the works of Giovanni Boccaccio and Francesco Petrarch, Italian language, Italian poetry, medicine, alchemy, and militia. One of his most notable works was a translation of Ptolemy’s Geographia...

Antique print titled 'Basiliensis territorii descriptio nova'. Old map of the Basel region, Switzerland. Originates from 'Theatrum Orbis Terrarum' by A. Ortelius. Artists and...