Old World Map, 1570 – The First World Atlas – by Abraham Ortelius

This is a very fine example of the very first world map, first published by Dutch cartographer Abraham Ortelius in 1570. This map was originally handcoloured almost exactly 450 years ago and has been lovingly restored by The Unique Maps Co.

Back in 1570, our understanding of the world wasn’t quite what it is today. Parts of North America look right… but Canada… well, it’s a little bit distorted. And South America looks very weird indeed.

Australia and New Zealand hadn’t been discovered, of course. And neither had Antarctica.

This map looks great at all sizes: 12×18 inches (31x46cm), 18×24 inches (45.5x61cm) and 24×36 inches (61×91.5cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 47×70 inches (120x178cm). Please get in touch if you’re looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 36×24 inch (91.5x61cm) version of this map.

If you’re looking for more options, I have another interesting World map by Edward Stanford in 1898.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father’s Day, work leaving or housewarming gift for someone who loves to travel or explore.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you’d like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.