Old coloured map of the Pacific Ocean from the 1598 French edition of Abraham Ortelius’ landmark atlas “Theatrum Orbis Terrarum”, the first modern atlas of the world. The map, which was the first individual map to focus on the Pacific Ocean, initially appeared in the Ortelius atlas in 1590 and is principally based on Mercator’s world map. As this region of the world was largely unexplored, there are many inaccuracies including an exaggerated coastline of north-west North America, an over-sized New Guinea and the entire absence of Australia to name but a few. It is decorated with a large image of Magellan’s ship, the Victoria, and two ornate cartouches. A description of the Pacific Ocean appears on the verso in French. Other than a minor repair to a short bottom centrefold split in the margin, the map is a beautifully old coloured, strong, dark impression in excellent condition. 34.5 cm x 50 cm