European and Asian Fine and Decorative Art - Cowan's Auctions

72 Pontus euxinus
ortelius, abraham. Pontus Euxinus Aequor I(J)asonio Pulsatum remige
primum. antwerp, [1590], 1608/1612 (last line of text “alla poluere;”
approx. 300 copies printed of this edition of Theatrum). Handcolored,
approx. 14 x 19.5 in. (plate size). upper left cartouche
notes that it is Ex conatibus geogrpahicus Abrahami Ortelii, “From
the geographical work/efforts of abraham ortelius.” [vrients,
J.B. Theatrum Orbis Terrarum Abrahami Ortelii. antwerp.) “The
hospitable sea, water first stirred by Jason’s oar” was apparently
formed catastrophically when the Mediterranean broke through the
Bosporus, perhaps as little as 7,500-8000 years ago (and certainly
triggering stories of a flood, if not the flood among people living
30 EuropEan and aSIan FInE and dECoraTIvE arT
on the shores of the valley). after its violent birth, the Black Sea
became a hub of trade and communication, and far more hospitable
to humans; the Greeks colonized the shores beginning about the 8th
century BC, and the romans continued the process half a millennium
later. and at its origin, at the city of Constantinople, Europe and asia
meet. Currently matted and shrink wrapped, although wrapping has
been partially split. Map is mounted at the corners, but not laid down.
Property from the Collection of Dr. Fred E. Schwab, Ann Arbor,
Michigan
$500 - 800
73 orbis terrarum Veteribus cogniti tyPus
geograPhicus
Jansson, Jan. (1588-1664), amsterdam, ca 1650.
approx. 18.5 x 22.5 in. (plate impression approx.
16 x 20 in.), currently matted and shrink wrapped
(not removed); hand-colored; second state with
complete dedication.
This is the old World as known in the 17th
century, marked with arctic, Temperate, Tropical,
antarctic zones. putti hold title banner and sit atop
cartouche, acanthus leaves and scrolls embellish
both. Winds blow from heads at foot of cartouche
and lower corners, while monster fish and ships
ply the oceans. The perspective is unusual in
that africa is centered, and Europe appears
rather insignificant. no land is charted beyond
the arctic and antarctic Circles. Not removed for
examination, appears fine. Fold as issued; there may
be a stabilized separation at the fold, but it does not
detract. Colors bright.
Property from the Collection of Dr. Fred E. Schwab,
Ann Arbor, Michigan
$800 - 1,200