Rare Old Map of Bavaria and Wurtemberg by Ortelius, 1581: Danube, Rhine, Stuttgart, Regensburg, Forests

"Palatinatus Bavariae Descriptio" by Abraham Ortelius is a captivating cartographic masterpiece from 1581, showcasing the regions of Wurtemberg and Bavaria with meticulous detail. Ortelius, a pioneering figure in the world of cartography, is celebrated for his creation of the first modern atlas, "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum." This map is a testament to his unparalleled skill and dedication to geographic accuracy. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the political and physical landscapes of the late 16th century, capturing the essence of these historically rich regions.

The map's design is both aesthetically pleasing and highly informative, featuring detailed depictions of cities, rivers, forests, and more. The northern part of Bavaria is prominently displayed, focusing on the area around the Danube River, including notable cities such as Ingolstadt, Regensburg, and Straubing. This section of the map is based on a 1540 map by Erhart Reich, further refined by Ortelius to enhance its accuracy and visual appeal. The intricate detailing of the natural and human-made features makes this map a valuable resource for historians and cartography enthusiasts alike.

In the Wurtemberg section, the map highlights the course of the Rhine and Danube Rivers, weaving through southwestern Germany. Cities such as Heidelberg, Stuttgart, and Heilbronn are clearly marked, providing insight into the urban landscape of the time. This part of the map incorporates cartographic elements from a 1559 map published in Tubingen, showcasing Ortelius's ability to synthesize and improve upon existing geographic knowledge. The careful representation of the terrain, including forests and mountains, adds depth and context to the map, making it a true work of art.

The historical significance of this map extends beyond its geographic accuracy. As part of Ortelius's groundbreaking atlas, it played a crucial role in the standardization of mapmaking techniques and the dissemination of geographic knowledge during the Renaissance. The wide, clean margins and dark impressions of the map reflect the high-quality craftsmanship that went into its creation. Collectors and historians will appreciate the map's contribution to the advancement of cartography and its enduring legacy in the field.

Overall, "Palatinatus Bavariae Descriptio" is a remarkable piece that captures the rich history and geography of Wurtemberg and Bavaria. Its detailed depiction of cities, rivers, forests, and political boundaries offers a unique window into the past, while its connection to Abraham Ortelius and his pioneering work in cartography adds an extra layer of historical significance. This map is not only a valuable artifact for collectors but also a beautiful and informative piece for anyone interested in the history of cartography and the regions it represents.

Cities and towns on this map

Bavaria:

• Regensburg
• Ingolstadt
• Straubing
• Amberg
• Neumarkt
• Kelheim
• Abensberg
• Schwandorf
• Cham
• Weiden
• Neustadt an der Waldnaab
• Sulzbach-Rosenberg
• Burglengenfeld
• Wörth an der Donau

Wurtemberg:

• Stuttgart
• Heidelberg
• Heilbronn
• Ulm
• Tübingen
• Reutlingen
• Esslingen
• Ludwigsburg
• Göppingen
• Schwäbisch Hall
• Aalen
• Bietigheim-Bissingen
• Backnang
• Waiblingen
• Winnenden
• Leonberg
• Sindelfingen
• Böblingen
• Herrenberg
• Nagold

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Rivers:
• Danube River
• Rhine River
• Forests:
• Several forested areas depicted with tree symbols.
• Mountains:
• Depicted with hachures to indicate elevation and terrain.
• Borders:
• Political boundaries between regions are clearly marked.
• Roads/Paths:
• Various routes connecting cities and towns.
• Bodies of Water:
• Lakes and smaller rivers/streams.
• Landmarks:
• Not specifically labelled but notable geographic features are illustrated.
• Scale:
• Scale bar present at the bottom.

Historical and design context

• Creation date: 1581
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Abraham Ortelius
• Context about the mapmaker: Abraham Ortelius was a renowned cartographer known for creating the first modern atlas, "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum," which revolutionized mapmaking and geographic knowledge.
• Design/Style of the map:
• Detailed cartography: Cities, rivers, forests, and other features are meticulously depicted.
• Based on earlier maps: The Bavaria map is based on a 1540 map by Erhart Reich, and the Wurtemberg map incorporates cartography from a 1559 map published in Tubingen.
• Aesthetic elements: Wide clean margins and a nice dark impression.
• Historical significance:
• First modern atlas: Part of Ortelius' "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum," the first modern atlas of the world.
• Influence on cartography: These maps contributed to the advancement of geographic knowledge and the standardization of mapmaking techniques.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

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.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.