Modern maps are basically a secondary function on mobile devices, with constant updates and a remarkable attention to detail. However, cartography went through a period when its greatest exponents did not hesitate to combine science and fantasy. In other words, it was the desire for greater accuracy mixed with descriptions of magical lands and mystical creatures. It was during that time that Abraham Ortelius lived, a master cartographer and geographer in his own right, considered the Father of the Atlas.
Whenever we load a map on our computers or smartphones, what we receive is an efficient, accurate, and cold copy. But this was not always the case. Just explore some old maps to see that cartography was seen not only as a scientific process requiring advanced techniques, but also as an art form with impeccable aesthetics. The so-called Age of Discovery gave rise to a true cartographic explosion, and one man in particular became a key figure in its development: Abraham Ortelius.
From Colorist to Cartographer
Born in Antwerp on April 14, 1527, Ortelius did not take long to get involved in the world of maps. At just 20 years old, he began his career as a colorist and illustrator for the Guild of Saint Luke, but his definitive "conversion" to cartography happened after meeting Gerardus Mercator in 1554 (yes, the same Mercator of the the projection everyone criticizes), and traveling with him on more than one occasion. Ortelius is known for having traveled a good part of Europe, especially the ancient "Seventeen Provinces" of the Netherlands; however, history has given him a place of privilege thanks to the publication of the first modern atlas.
The First Modern Atlas
Some sources indicate that the creation of the atlas was suggested by Mercator himself, and Ortelius carried it out. With a total of 53 maps, all sharing the same size and style, the "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum" had its first edition in 1570. A curious detail is that very few of the maps in the atlas were created by Ortelius; they actually represent the work of the master cartographers he admired. The success of the atlas was such that it had to be reprinted four times in its first year. By the year 1612 it had reached 42 editions, with translations into seven languages (Latin, English, German, Flemish, French, Spanish, and Italian).
The Most Famous Map
Beyond the variety recorded in the atlas, the most popular and well-known map is a creation of Ortelius, "Typus Orbis Terrarum", which shows us the entire world based on the knowledge available at that time about the continents. In fact, Ortelius was one of the first (if not the first) to imagine that the continents had been united in the distant past, with the Americas "separating" from Europe and Africa "by earthquakes and floods". Naturally, the maps also had a very large speculative component. For example, Typus Orbis Terrarum predates the discovery of Australia, and the entire southern region is identified as "Terra Australis Nondum Cognita". In other words, explorers believed there was something there.
The Speculative Side of Cartography
And speaking of speculation, Ortelius did not hesitate to include mythological beasts and biblical references on some of his maps. On the one hand, those versions sold better, and on the other, Ortelius managed to find an acceptable balance between the scientific precision that was beginning to dominate at that time and the fantastic aesthetics that attracted the public so much.
A Lasting Legacy
Abraham Ortelius departed to unknown lands on June 28, 1598, but his vision and talent have stood the test of time, inspiring thousands of explorers.
Source: My Modern Met
