Antique Map European Tapestry

Antique Map Belgian chenille tapestry is also known as Typus orbis terrarum and features a gorgeous world map by Orterlius. In 1570, Abraham Ortelius published his groundbreaking “Theatrum Orbis Terrarum” (Theatre of the World), the first comprehensive modern atlas. Containing 53 full color maps, the atlas was an instant hit with scholars, navigators, explorers and the nobility. Of course, “Theatrum Orbis Terrarum” made Orterlius famous and he became renowned as one of the best map makers during his lifetime, which lasted from 1527 to 1598. Not bad for someone who had originally started out as an ordinary businessman. Thankfully, he met up with Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator and the rest is history. This wonderful reproduction of Ortelius’ world map, “Typus orbis terrarum”, a plate taken from his great work, is faithful to the original in every detail, including the colors. In “Typus orbis terrarum”, we see that most of the world’s land contours have been rendered quite accurately, even for its time.