A fine example of this Latin edition of Abraham Ortelius’ ‘Theatrum Orbis Terrarum’ published by Jan Baptist Vrients. From its first appearance in 1570, the ‘Theatrum’ was far more comprehensive in scope than any contemporary work. It is generally considered the first modern atlas with its contents in a uniform style and size. In all, over forty different editions were published, with text in Latin, Dutch, German, French, Spanish, English or Italian, with the maps being frequently revised or replaced. By 1612, when the final edition was published, the atlas contained no less than 128 maps. These were engraved by Frans Hogenberg, Ambrosius Arsenius, and Ferdinand Arsenius. 

Koeman called it “the most advanced Latin edition of the Theatrum published by Vrients.” It is one of the most complete issues and includes both the ‘Parergon’ and ‘Nomenclator’. When Ortelius (1527-98) died in 1598. In 1601 his family sold the plates to Jan Baptist Vrients (1522-1612). Vrients began adding new maps which here include amongst others ‘Anglia Regnum’, a map of England and Wales derived from Christopher Saxton. Vrients continued publication until his own death. Provenance: Louis Loeb-Larocque; Burden Collection. Van Den Broecke (1996) no. 20; Koeman (1967-70) III, Ort 36; Van der Krogt (1997-2010) 31:053.