A FRAMED BELGIQUE TWO-PART HAND COLORED COPPER PLATE CARTOGRAPHIC ENGRAVING OF THE CALAIS/BOULOGNE AND VERMANDOIS REGIONS OF FRANCE AFTER THEATRUM ORBIS TERRARUM BY ABARAHAM ORTELIUS (Flemish 1527-1598), "CALETENSIVM ET BONONIENSIVM DITIONIS ACCVRATA DELINEATIO" AND "VEROMANDVORVM EORVMQVE CONFINIVM EXACTISSIMA DESCRIPT," ANTWERP 1603, a fine example of two maps on one plate from the 1603 Latin edition of the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, the left representing the coast of the northernmost tip of France between the Dover Strait and the North Sea, and the area between Calais and Boulogne, with pictorial topography, landmark structures, as well as forests; the right depicting the Veromandois region of France in a caliber of detail equal to the first, most notably the gilt illuminated letters. Height: 14" Width: 19" NOTE: The source list entitled "Catalogus Auctorum" appended by Ortelius to his eminent Theatrum Orbis Terrarum shows that what is considered the first modern atlas was, in fact, based in part on bygone and rare works known to Ortelius at the time. These two regional representations are prime examples. The description in the lower central left corner of the left-hand Calais and Boulogne map reads "Descripta & edita a Nico: lao Nicolai Delphinate Parisijs 1558," translating to "Drawn up and edited by Nicolaus Nicolai Delphinatis (French 1517-1583), from Paris 1558", while the inscription under the title within the upper right cartouche found on the right-hand Vermandois map states, "Iohanne Surhonio Auctore," the whole translating to, "A most exact representation of Vermandois and its borders by Iohannes Surhonius" or Jean De Surhon (French 16th Century). Special thanks to Cartographica Neerlandica.

Map plates are in overall excellent condition, the map image areas pristine, a few trivial spots to margin extremities, but a well preserved engraving. Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."