Pacific Ocean

Abraham Ortelius (1527-1598)

Maris Pacifici quod vulgo Mar del Zud.

From: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

Antwerp: 1598

Hand-colored copperplate engraving

Paper Dimensions: 18 ¼" x 22 ½"

Framed Dimensions: 28¾" x 32¾" framed (framed with description)

Ortelius' Theatrum Orbis Terrarum is widely regarded as the first modern atlas. At the time of its publication, it was the most expensive book ever produced. Between 1570 and 1612, it was issued in 31 editions and 7 languages. This map and the Hondius/Le Clerc's rare map of 1589 (known only in the 1602 edition) gave a curious and not fully understood relationship as to which is truly the first map of the Pacific, although because no example of the 1589 Hondius Le Clerk has been discovered, this map retains primary.