Abraham Ortelius (1527-1598) 

Geographia Sacra (Modern World Map Inset) 

Antwerp, 1598 

Engraving with original hand-coloring 

Sheet size: 17 3/4 x 21 in. 

An impressive and richly decorative engraving by Abraham Ortelius, the celebrated Flemish cartographer and creator of the pioneering Theatrum Orbis Terrarum (1570), widely regarded as the first modern atlas. 

Geographia Sacra presents a historical depiction of the ancient Biblical world, encompassing southern Europe, northern Africa, and the Middle East. Based on classical geographical traditions and accounts from the Old and New Testaments, following the Septuagint translation, the map reflects the geographical understanding of the world as known in antiquity. 

A particularly fascinating feature is the small inset map of the contemporary world at the bottom center, presented in an elegant oval projection within an elaborate decorative cartouche. This juxtaposition of the ancient and modern worlds offers a remarkable glimpse into the evolving geographical knowledge of the late sixteenth century. 

The composition is further enhanced by three ornamental cartouches, intricate engraving, and elaborate decorative details characteristic of Ortelius's distinguished cartographic work. 

An historically significant and visually captivating example of Renaissance cartography, illustrating the intersection of biblical geography, classical scholarship, and early modern geographical discovery. 

Reference: Van den Broecke, Ortelius Atlas Maps, no. 179; cf. Laor 549.