Lot 161
† Ortelius (Abraham): Britannicarum Insularum Vetus Descriptio

The Petra Collection of Medals to the 22nd Foot (The Cheshire Regiment) & Other Properties | M26001
Auction: 12 February 2026 10:30 GMT
Description
This large scale map of Great Britain is on two sheets joined. It was first published in the 'Theatrum Orbis Terrarum' in 1590. However, it was quickly replaced by another map in 1595 making it one of the rarest of Ortelius's maps. The outline is based on the geography of Mercator and Saxton while the interior classical detail is based on Pliny, Diodorus Siculus, Tacitus and Caesar. Copper engraved, 490 x 730mm and published in Antwerp, 1592.

