Coloured map of Flanders from the 1584 Latin edition of Abraham Ortelius’ landmark atlas “Theatrum Orbis Terrarum”, the first modern atlas of the world. This map, which was first included in the Ortelius atlas in 1579, is based on the work of Gerard Mercator as stated in the lower left. Unusually shaped in an oval, the map is decorated in strapwork panels to each corner indicating the compass position, sailing ships and a women holding grain in one hand and a coat of arms in the other. A description of Flanders appears on the verso in Latin. Other than a professional repair to a bottom centrefold split, a beautifully old-coloured example in excellent condition. 38 cm x 49.5 cm