East Frisia (Ostfriesland) – Abraham Ortelius, 1587

“Frisiae Orientalis Descriptio” [Description of East Frisia], copper engraving published by Abraham Ortelius as part of a French edition of…

“Frisiae Orientalis Descriptio” [Description of East Frisia], copper engraving published by Abraham Ortelius as part of a French edition of his atlas “Theatrum Orbis Terrarum” in 1587. With original hand colouring. Size: 31,4 x 44,7 cm.

The map was created based on the design by Johannes Blommaerts, better known by his Latinized humanist name Florianus.

This Florianus gained particular fame when he was commissioned by printer Christoffel Plantijn to provide a French translation of the popular folk tale Of Reynaert the Fox. Like many of his contemporaries, Florianus had converted to the Reformed faith. Fearing Catholic censorship and religious persecution, Florianus fled his base in Antwerp and sought refuge in safer places. He found a new home in East Frisia, first in Emden and Norden, and later in 1574-1575 in Pilsum. During his exile in the Northern Netherlands, Florianus became a respected preacher.

Around 1574, Florianus created a map of the territory of East Frisia, which Abraham Ortelius used as a model for his maps of East Frisia.

Price: Euro 350,-