Old Map of Württemberg by Ortelius, 1587: Stuttgart, Ulm, Germany, Neckar River, Forests

Abraham Ortelius's "Wirtenberg Ducatus Accurata descriptio," crafted in 1587, is a masterful depiction of the Duchy of Württemberg, a historical territory in southwestern Germany. This exquisite map captures the essence of 16th-century cartography, showcasing Ortelius's meticulous attention to detail and his pioneering contributions to the field. As a central figure in the renaissance of cartography, Ortelius's work on this map reflects his dedication to creating a comprehensive and accurate representation of the region, which was undergoing significant changes due to the Protestant Reformation.

The map's design is both intricate and informative, featuring detailed illustrations of the region's topographical features, including mountain ranges, rivers, forests, and cities. The Neckar River, a vital waterway for trade and transportation, is prominently displayed as it snakes through the duchy, highlighting its strategic importance. The map also includes detailed road networks, fortifications, and borders, providing a vivid picture of the region's military significance during the tumultuous 16th century.

Ortelius's map is not only a geographical representation but also a historical document that captures a critical moment in the history of Württemberg. The region's shifting religious, political, and social landscape during the Protestant Reformation is illustrated through the map's detailed depiction of cities like Stuttgart, Tübingen, and Heidelberg, along with their respective fortifications. This map serves as a vital historical record, offering a rare glimpse into the region's pre-Reformation religious geography and the changes that were taking place.

The artistic elements of the map are equally impressive, with ornate borders, decorative cartouches, and illustrations of local flora and fauna. The engravings, interpreted from Ortelius's hand-drawn sketches by skilled artisans, add a layer of elegance and sophistication to the map. The compass rose, scale bar, and heraldic symbols further enhance the map's aesthetic appeal, making it a true work of art as well as a valuable historical document.

In addition to its historical and artistic significance, the map is a testament to Ortelius's legacy as a cartographic luminary. His groundbreaking work, the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, published in 1570, was the first modern atlas and set the standard for future cartographic endeavors. The "Wirtenberg Ducatus Accurata descriptio" is a prime example of Ortelius's dedication to accuracy and detail, reflecting the extensive exploration and cartographic knowledge of the 16th century. This map is not only a beautiful piece of history but also a window into the world of one of the most influential cartographers of all time.

Cities and towns on this map

• Stuttgart
• Tübingen
• Heidelberg
• Ulm
• Reutlingen
• Esslingen
• Heilbronn
• Pforzheim
• Ludwigsburg
• Göppingen
• Schwäbisch Gmünd
• Aalen
• Schwäbisch Hall
• Kirchheim unter Teck
• Calw
• Herrenberg
• Bietigheim-Bissingen
• Leonberg
• Vaihingen an der Enz
• Nürtingen

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Mountain ranges
• Rivers (e.g., Neckar River)
• Forests
• Fortifications
• Borders of the Duchy
• Detailed road networks
• Bodies of water (lakes and ponds)
• Illustrations of ships
• Decorative cartouches
• Compass rose
• Scale bar
• Topographical shading
• Ornate border
• Heraldic symbols
• Engraver's signature
• Illustrations of local flora
• Illustrations of local fauna
• Decorative title banner

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Wirtenberg Ducatus Accurata descriptio
• Creation date: 1587
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Abraham Ortelius
• Ortelius was a prominent figure in the renaissance of cartography during the 16th century.
• His groundbreaking work, the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, published in 1570, is considered the first modern atlas.
• Ortelius' atlas was published in multiple languages and expanded over time, becoming one of the most influential printed works of the 16th century.
• Topics and themes:
• Topographical features: Includes mountain ranges, rivers, forests, and cities.
• Strategic importance: Highlights the Neckar River and its significance for trade and transportation.
• Military significance: Shows important cities like Stuttgart, Tübingen, and Heidelberg with their fortifications.
• Historical context: Captures the region during the Protestant Reformation, illustrating the shifting religious, political, and social landscape.
• Design/Style:
• Detailed political and physical map.
• Hand-drawn sketches interpreted into prints by engravers.
• Displays meticulous detailing of the region's geography.
• Historical significance:
• Serves as a vital historical record of the Duchy of Württemberg during the 16th century.
• Reflects the cartographic knowledge and exploration of the world following the discovery of America.
• Ortelius' maps were part of the most expensive book ever produced at the time.

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 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) 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.

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.

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 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.