Tintoretto Portrait Engraving after Self Portrait, Antoine de Marcenay, 1755

Title: Portrait of Abraham Ortelius Engraved by Philippe Galle, first published in 1579, featured in the *Theatrum Orbis Terrarum*. Description: This is a meticulously detailed portrait of Abraham Ortelius (1527–1598), the renowned Flemish cartographer, geographer, and creator of the first modern atlas, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum. This copperplate engraving, crafted by the master engraver Philippe Galle (1537–1612), was first published in the 1579 edition of Ortelius’s groundbreaking work. The image presents a bust-length profile of Ortelius facing to the left, emphasizing his austere yet intellectual presence. He is depicted wearing formal attire typical of the late Renaissance period, including a richly textured doublet with a fur-lined collar and a finely detailed ruff around his neck. His aged, yet determined face, with a pointed beard and furrowed brow, symbolizes his deep dedication to the study of geography and cartography. Surrounding the portrait is an elaborate architectural and floral frame, characteristic of late 16th-century Mannerist designs, which conveys a sense of both intellectual grandeur and artistic sophistication. At the top of the frame is a "Chi Rho" symbol, representing Christ, and emphasizing the religious underpinnings of Ortelius's worldview. The Latin inscription below the portrait reads: "Spectandum dedit Ortelius mortalib. orbem, Orbi spectandum Galleus Ortelium" ("Ortelius gave the world to be seen by mortals, Galleus gave Ortelius to be seen by the world.") This suggests the lasting legacy of Ortelius’s work in mapping the known world and how Galle, through his engraving, immortalized Ortelius himself. About the Engraver: Philippe Galle (1537–1612) was a prominent Flemish engraver and publisher, known for his precision and technical skill in copperplate engraving. Galle often worked with leading figures of his time, producing prints that highlighted important cultural, intellectual, and political figures. His engraving technique involved etching intricate lines and textures onto a copperplate, which would then be inked and pressed onto paper to produce highly detailed prints. His collaboration with Ortelius on this project further solidified his reputation as a master engraver. Why Ortelius was Important: Abraham Ortelius is celebrated as one of the founders of modern cartography. His atlas, *Theatrum Orbis Terrarum* (Theatre of the World), published in 1570, was the first to gather a comprehensive collection of maps into a single, standardized volume. This work marked a turning point in the history of geography by establishing a modern understanding of world mapping. Ortelius also significantly contributed to geographic knowledge by incorporating information from various cartographers, which helped to unify mapmaking practices across Europe. Ortelius's work not only aided navigators and explorers but also influenced scholars and rulers in their understanding of the world. His reputation extended well beyond his home in Antwerp, making him one of the most respected intellectuals of his time. Keywords: Abraham Ortelius portrait, Philippe Galle engraving, 1579 Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, Renaissance cartography, Ortelius atlas, historical cartographer portrait, copperplate engraving, Mannerist engravings...

Antique portrait titled 'Antonius I (..)'. Portrait of António, Prior of Crato, Portugal. This print originates from 'Tooneel der keyseren ende coningen van christenryck sedert den o...

An engraving of Torquato Tasso, a prominent Italian poet of the 16th century, best known for his epic poem "Gerusalemme Liberata" ("Jerusalem Delivered"), which tells the story of th...

Antique Portrait François Véron 1648, Jesuit Theologian Engraving Description: A finely engraved and historically compelling portrait of François Véron (ca. 1575–1649), a prominent ...

Hendrick Goltzius (1558-1617), engraving, 1593 [with extensive inscription in the plate]. Reference: Bartsch 161, Hollstein 177, second state (of two...

Haarlem: 1593. Engraving on cream laid paper with a Strasbourg Lily watermark, 10 3/8 x 7 1/8 inches (264 x 181 mm), the full sheet. Narrow margins. In very good condition with some...

Portrait of Bentivoglio is an original artwork realized by Thomas Holloway (1748 - 1827). Original Etching from J.C. Lavater's "Essays on Physiognomy, Designed to promote the Knowle...

Anton Maria Zanetti is a beautiful original etching and burin on laid paper, realized by the Spanish artist Joannes de Plano (active in 1770-1780), as the inscription reports aroind the oval portrait. Below image, at left the inscription: Anton: Mariae Zanetti se ipsum delineavit; below image, at right: Joannes de Plano sculpsit; below image, at center: Anton Mariae Zanetti Alexandr: f: / Artis Pictoriae, at Linguae Graecae peritiss: / Per XLII annos a publ: D. Marci Bibliotheca benemerenti / Hic dormit in Domino / Ano LXXIII Aetatis suae...