Abraham Ortelius (1527-1598) Typvs Orbis Terrarvm, Antwerp, 1572, from Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, black and white engraving on laid paper with hand color, 13-3/8 x 20 in. (plate), unframed

Note: This mid-sixteenth-century map was published in Abraham Ortelius' atlas, Typus Orbis Terrarum. The abnormalities in its delineation are of particular interest. The east coast lacks most of its important landmarks such as the Chesapeake Bay, Cape Cod and Long Island. However, the highly sought after Northwest passage, which Ortelius imagined passing straight across the top of North America, is included. Curiously, California is depicted as part of the mainland, which was contrary to the popular belief that it was an island.

, Provenance: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Proceeds to Benefit the Acquisitions Fund minor pest damage and restoration in central fold, penciled inscription verso