The first printed map of the Pacific by Ortelius

The first printed map of the Pacific Ocean by Abraham Ortelius for his Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

The earliest obtainable map of the Pacific Ocean (Maris Pacificum) and one of the most sought-after of Ortelius's atlas maps, first published in 1590 despite being engraved in 1589. It pre-dates the concept of California as an island, has a huge island of New Guinea and an unrecognisable Japan. The south Pacific is filled with a vignette of the 'Victoria', Magellan's ship. His route through the Magellan Straits is shown, with Terra del Fuego depicted as part of the huge 'Terra Australis'.  

The Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

The Theatrum Orbis Terrarum was first published in Antwerp in 1570 by Abraham Ortelius. It consisted of a systematically arranged collection of engraved maps issued in a uniform format and accompanied by explanatory text printed on the verso. The first edition contained 70 maps. The work was expanded in subsequent editions, and between 1570 and 1612 it appeared in at least 31 editions in seven languages: Latin, Dutch, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and English. Following Ortelius’s death in 1598, the copperplates of the Theatrum were acquired by Jan Baptist Vrients, who continued publication until his death in 1612. Thereafter, the plates passed to the Plantin-Moretus press in Antwerp.

View all antique maps by Abraham Ortelius (here)