Description

An exceptional and authentic antique copperplate map, titled "Westphaliae Totius, Finitimarumque Regionum Accurata Descriptio" [Westphalia and the adjacent regions, accurately described], created by the Flemish cartographer Abraham Ortelius.

This map is a leaf from Ortelius's monumental work, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum (Theatre of the World), first published in 1570 and widely considered the world's first true modern atlas. The map itself is an early representation of the Westphalia region in northwestern Germany, including parts of the modern-day states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony, and covers cities such as Bremen, Cologne, Münster, and Osnabrück. The map is notably oriented with east at the top ("ORIENS" is at the top center).

Key Details:

• Cartographer: Abraham Ortelius (1527–1598)
• Originator of the geography: The map's geography is derived from a manuscript map by Christian Sgroten from 1565.
• Medium: Original copperplate engraving with attractive, contemporary hand-coloring.
• Publication Date/Edition: The first edition of this map was published in 1579 within the atlas, with subsequent editions in various languages and years, including 1580 (first German edition), 1584, and 1603. The specific edition can be determined by the text printed on the reverse side (verso).
• Dimensions: H:15in W:21in

Condition report: The map and accompanying text page show significant age-related toning, foxing, creasing, and edge wear with areas of paper loss along the margins. Hand coloring remains visible though muted in areas. Printed details remain largely legible despite wear. Overall condition is consistent with an antique atlas map and text page.

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