Rare Old Map of Saxony by Ortelius, 1595: Berlin, Leipzig, Dresden, Elbe River, Ore Mountains

The "Saxoniae, Misniae, Thuringiae, Nova Exactissimaque Descriptio," crafted by the renowned cartographer Abraham Ortelius in 1595, is a remarkable artifact from the golden age of cartography. Ortelius, a Flemish geographer, is celebrated for his pioneering work, "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum," the first modern atlas of the world. This map is a testament to his meticulous craftsmanship and his dedication to providing a comprehensive view of the world as it was known in the late 16th century. The map extends from Prague to Berlin and Brandenburg, capturing the essence of Central Europe with an exceptional old color scheme that brings the historical landscape to life.

The map's design is both functional and decorative, featuring ornate cartouches and a detailed scale bar that add a touch of elegance to its utilitarian purpose. The rich, old color palette not only enhances its visual appeal but also aids in distinguishing the various political boundaries and physical features. Latin inscriptions and labels provide a scholarly touch, reflecting the intellectual rigor of the period. The map is framed with a decorative border, making it a stunning piece of art as well as a valuable historical document.

Geographically, the map covers the regions of Saxony, Meissen, and Thuringia, extending into parts of present-day Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. It meticulously details rivers such as the Elbe, Saale, Spree, and Oder, which were crucial for trade and transportation. The map also highlights significant mountain ranges like the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) and the Harz Mountains, which have historically been rich in minerals and have shaped the economic activities of the regions they traverse. Extensive forested areas, particularly in Thuringia and Saxony, are depicted, showcasing the natural resources that were vital to the local economies.

The map is a treasure trove of historical and geographical information, marking the locations of numerous cities and towns that were significant during the period. Major cities like Berlin, Leipzig, Frankfurt an der Oder, and Prague are prominently featured, providing a glimpse into the urban centers that were hubs of political, economic, and cultural activities. Smaller towns such as Jena, Weimar, and Görlitz are also included, reflecting the intricate network of settlements that dotted the landscape. Each of these locations holds its own historical significance, contributing to the rich tapestry of Central European history.

Ortelius' map is not just a representation of geographical features but also a historical document that captures the political landscape of the time. The detailed depiction of borders, towns, and natural landmarks provides valuable insights into the territorial divisions and administrative boundaries of the late 16th century. This map is a window into a bygone era, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world as it was over four centuries ago. Its historical significance and exquisite design make it a prized possession for any collector or enthusiast of cartography and history.

Cities and towns on this map

• Berlin
• Leipzig
• Frankfurt an der Oder
• Magdeburg
• Halle
• Erfurt
• Jena
• Weimar
• Gera
• Zwickau
• Chemnitz
• Gotha
• Mühlhausen
• Nordhausen
• Eisenach
• Plauen
• Freiberg
• Naumburg
• Wittenberg
• Dessau
• Köthen
• Torgau
• Bautzen
• Dresden
• Görlitz
• Prague

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Rivers:
• Elbe River
• Saale River
• Spree River
• Oder River
• Forests:
• Extensive forested areas in Thuringia and Saxony
• Mountain ranges:
• Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge)
• Harz Mountains
• Decorative elements:
• Ornate cartouche with the title of the map
• Scale bar with decorative elements
• Latin inscriptions and labels

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Saxoniae, Misniae, Thuringiae, Nova Exactissimaque Descriptio
• Date created: 1595
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Abraham Ortelius
• Context about the mapmaker: Ortelius was a Flemish cartographer and geographer, recognized for creating the first modern atlas, "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum" (Theatre of the World), published in 1570.
• Design and style:
• Rich in detail with an old color scheme
• Decorative elements include cartouches and a scale bar
• The map is framed with a border and features Latin inscriptions
• Historical significance:
• Part of the first modern atlas, which revolutionized cartography and geography
• Provides a historical snapshot of Central Europe in the late 16th century

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 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.