ETHIOPIA ORTELIUS (ABRAHAM) Presbiteri Iohannis, sive, Abissinorum Imperii Descriptio, [1573 or ...

ETHIOPIA ORTELIUS (ABRAHAM) Presbiteri Iohannis, sive, Abissinorum Imperii Descriptio, hand-coloured engraved double-page map, large cartouche with legend of Prester John in the upper left, strapwork title cartouche in the lower right corner, elephants depicted within the map, sea-monsters and vessels in the sea, Latin text on verso, reinforced centrefold on verso, light toning [Toovey Africa, p.89], 375 x 440mm., [1573 or after] Footnotes: This map first appeared in Ortelius' Additamentum of 1573 and subsequently in all the editions of the Theatrum. It depicts the central African kingdom of the mythical Christian king Prester John. In Medieval and Renaissance times his supposed kingdom was variously placed in India, Arabia or China, and eventually in Abyssinia. The map is dedicated to David, the son of Prester John, as evidenced by the text in the upper left-hand side cartouche. The Persian Gulf and the Arabic peninsula are depicted in the upper right quadrant. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: • • Zero rated for VAT, no VAT will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing