Abraham Ortelius Collection

Abraham Ortelius, a renowned cartographer of the 16th century, left an indelible mark on the world of mapmaking with his pioneering work and innovative approach. Born in Antwerp, Belgium, in 1527, Ortelius initially pursued a career in engraving and bookbinding. However, his fascination with geography and exploration led him to delve into the art of mapmaking. In 1570, he published his magnum opus, the "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum" or "Theatre of the World," considered the first modern atlas. This groundbreaking atlas compiled maps from various sources, standardized their format, and included a list of sources—a practice uncommon at the time, ensuring its accuracy and reliability. Ortelius's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to cartographic excellence earned him widespread acclaim and established him as one of the most influential figures in the history of cartography.