RARE AND FINE ANTIQUE TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP OF THE LIMAGNE – GABRIEL SIMEONI AND ABRAHAM ORTELIUS
Rare and fine antique topographical map entitled Limaniae Topographia, Gabriele Symeoneo Auct., depicting the Limagne plain and part of the Auvergne region surrounding Clermont-Ferrand.
Copperplate engraving – Hand-coloured.
Based on the work of the Florentine scholar and cartographer Gabriel Simeoni, who was also a writer, poet and historian. Having spent many years in France, Simeoni developed a particular interest in the country’s history, antiquities and geography. His cartographical work notably served as the model for the map of the Limagne later published by Abraham Ortelius.
Published by Abraham Ortelius (1527–1598), the celebrated Flemish cartographer and publisher established in Antwerp. One of the leading figures of Renaissance cartography, Ortelius published his renowned Theatrum Orbis Terrarum in 1570, generally regarded as the first modern atlas. This landmark publication brought together and standardised the finest maps available at the time, while carefully acknowledging their authors and sources.
The composition is organised around the winding course of the Allier River, which runs vertically through the landscape. It accurately identifies the principal towns, villages, waterways and geographical features of the region, including Clermont, Riom, Billom, Maringues, Ennezat, Aigueperse, Pont-du-Château, Puy-Guillaume and Beauregard.
The most important settlements are represented by charming miniature views of fortified towns, while the mountains, forests and rivers are depicted according to the cartographical conventions of the Renaissance.
The four cardinal points appear in Latin: Septentrio to the north, Meridies to the south, Occidens to the west and Oriens to the east.
The upper section is occupied by a magnificent Mannerist cartouche composed of strapwork, scrolls, fruit, foliage and profile figures. A winged putto crowns the composition.
Dimensions : Frame: Width 12.80 in. – Height 18.70 in. / Frame moulding: 1.18 in.,
(Frame: Width 32.5 cm – Height 47.5 cm / Frame moulding: 3 cm),
Condition : PERFECT CONDITION,
Period : Engraving: LATE 16TH/EARLY 17TH CENTURY,
Framing : CONTEMPORARY – Comprising a bevelled inner border with an antique gold finish and a wide white raw-silk mount. The whole is presented beneath glass in a moulded wooden frame combining a bronze-green patina with gilt highlights.
Crédit Agricole
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