Islandia
Creator: Ortelius, Abraham, 1527-1598Plantin, Christophe, appoximately 1520-1589Atlas Reference: Theatrum orbis terrarumDedicatee: Frederick II, King of Denmark and Norway, 1534-1588Publisher: Vrients, Jan Baptista, 1552-1612Date/Date Range Produced: 1585
Language: LatinSpanishRegion Depicted: IcelandMap Type: GeographicalDimensions: 34 x 49 cm. on sheet 46 x 56 cm.
Printing Process: EngravingMaterial Type: PaperHistorical Context: This is one of the more spectacular maps in the Ortelius atlas, with its vivid depiction of the rugged terrain of Iceland including fiords, mountain ranges, glaciers, and the erupting Hekla volcano. Its most engaging feature, however, is the collection of fantastic sea monsters inhabiting the surrounding waters. Some of them are based on faulty observation or inaccurate descriptions of real creatures such as whales. It is likely that the majority derived from medieval legends, mariners' tales, or outright artistic license. As testimony to their purported authenticity, each of the creatures is assigned an identifying letter keyed to a detailed description on the back of the map.
LC Call Number: G6930 1602 .O7
OCLC: 830863041
Accession Number: OS-1602-1
Donor: Osher