Ancient World Map After Strabo by Cellarius, 1731

Details

Description

Veteris Orbis Climata – Ancient World Map after Strabo by Cellarius, 1731 This fascinating hand-colored antique map, titled Veteris Orbis … Read more Veteris Orbis Climata – Ancient World Map after Strabo by Cellarius, 1731 This fascinating hand-colored antique map, titled Veteris Orbis Climata ex Strabone, is a classical representation of the known world as described by the Greek geographer Strabo over two millennia ago. Published in 1731 as part of Christoph Cellarius’ influential atlas Notitia Orbis Antiqui, this map captures an ancient worldview, blending early geography with Enlightenment-era printing skill. Strabo's geography, which heavily influenced classical understanding of the world, is vividly illustrated here. The continents of Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa dominate the composition, while vast unexplored regions—such as sub-Saharan Africa, Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and the entire Pacific—are notably absent. Australia and Oceania are also missing, reflecting the limitations of geographic knowledge in the classical period. Particularly striking is the arc-shaped format of the map, suggesting the division of the earth into climatic zones (climata) according to ancient theories. The top of the map features an allegorical representation of the heavens, with a sunburst, clouds, and celestial figures illuminating the ancient world below. The equatorial and polar regions are represented but not fully understood, and the depiction of the northeast passage is unusually prominent, hinting at speculative ancient routes. Produced using copper engraving and later hand-colored, this map is both historically and visually compelling. It originally appeared in one of the early editions of Cellarius’ Notitia Orbis Antiqui, a work that remained popular for over a century and was printed in Amsterdam, London, and other European cities. Cellarius’ maps were lauded for their scholarly basis and elegant execution. Condition report: Good. Later hand-coloring. Minor foxing overall, but still a very decorative and interesting print. The central vertical folding line is original and typical for maps of this period. The paper is not particularly strong but remains complete and intact, with no repairs, tears, wormholes, or wrinkles. Verso: blank. Framing tips: This map would suit a classic gold-leaf or ebonized wood frame. Use an off-white or light parchment-colored mat to echo the aged paper and highlight the vibrant coloring. See less