Collection: Abraham Ortelius

Abraham Ortelius (Antwerp, 1527–1598) was a Flemish cartographer, geographer, and cosmographer. He is recognized for publishing the Theatrum orbis terrarum in 1570, which is considered the first modern atlas. Ortelius was a dealer in maps, books, and antiquities in Antwerp.

Ortelius, alongside Gemma Frisius and Gerardus Mercator, contributed to establishing the Netherlandish school of cartography and geography. His atlas, Theatrum orbis terrarum, marked the official beginning of the Golden Age of Netherlandish cartography. He also proposed the theory that continents were once joined before drifting to their current positions.

As an important geographer of Spain during the Age of Discovery, Ortelius's work influenced the understanding and representation of the world. His systematic approach to map compilation and presentation set a new standard for cartographic publications.