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Theatrum Orbis Terrarium, 1592. Creator: Unknown
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Theatrum Orbis Terrarium, 1592. Creator: Unknown
Theatrum Orbis Terrarium, 1592. Called the first modern atlas, adapted from Mercator's world map; large coloured atlas with Ptolemy's Geographia, 1592; continents, including America (Novis Orbis), Arctic, Antarctic and Asia
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Media ID 36370103
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Abraham Ortelius Antarctic Cartography Claudius Of Ptolemaeus Claudius Ptolemaeus Claudius Ptolemy Latin Map Making Mapmaking New World North America Ptolemy Walters Art Museum
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This image showcases Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, the first modern atlas, created in 1592. The atlas, whose creator remains unknown, was a groundbreaking achievement in cartography, adapting and expanding upon Gerardus Mercator's world map. The large, colorful atlas includes Ptolemy's Geographia, making it a significant milestone in the history of mapmaking. The intricately detailed map showcases the continents of Europe, Asia, Africa, America (Novis Orbis), Arctic, and Antarctic, with vivid colors and precise lettering. The map's title, "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum," meaning "Theatre of the World," reflects the sense of discovery and exploration that characterized the 16th century. Notable features of this map include the accurate representation of India, Hindoostan, and Russia, which were previously underrepresented or misrepresented in earlier maps. The map also includes the newly discovered lands of the Americas, with North and South America depicted in detail. The map's text is written in Latin, reflecting the scholarly and intellectual context of the time. The mapmaking tradition of the Low Countries, particularly in the Netherlands and Belgium, is evident in the high-quality production and attention to detail. The Theatrum Orbis Terrarum represents a crucial moment in the history of cartography, as it marked a significant step forward in the accuracy and comprehensiveness of world maps. This rare and valuable artifact is a testament to the curiosity and exploratory spirit of the 16th century, and a reminder of the rich heritage of mapmaking that continues to influence our understanding of the world today.
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