Rare Old Map of Mansfeld District, Germany by Ortelius, 1575: Mansfeld-Südharz, Halle, Salsa River, Helm River

Mansfeldiae Comitatus Descriptio auctore Tilemanno Stella Sig., crafted by the illustrious cartographer Abraham Ortelius in 1575, is a masterpiece of Renaissance cartography. This map is a stunning example of Ortelius' work, showcasing the ancient district of Mansfeld, now part of Mansfeld-Südharz, and its surrounding regions in Germany. Ortelius, renowned for creating the first modern atlas, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, has meticulously detailed the political and physical landscapes of the area, making this map not only a valuable historical document but also a piece of art.

The map is rich in geographical features, depicting the Salsa River flowing from Bernburgh to Rockendorf and the Helm River from Berga to Dorndorff. The intricate old color technique used by Ortelius brings to life the varied terrain, including dense forests, rolling hills, and possibly mountainous regions. The detailed illustrations of these physical features provide a vivid snapshot of the natural world as it was understood in the 16th century, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Ortelius' map is not just a geographical document; it is a political one as well. The detailed depiction of the district of Mansfeld and its neighboring regions reflects the complex political boundaries of the time. The map highlights the importance of Mansfeld and its strategic location within Germany, surrounded by significant towns and cities such as Halle, Ascanien, and Halberstat. These settlements, meticulously marked and named, offer insights into the political landscape and urban development of the era.

The artistic elements of the map are equally captivating. The ornate cartouches and embellishments, characteristic of Ortelius' style, add a decorative flair that elevates the map from a mere navigational tool to a work of art. These decorative elements, combined with the old color technique, create a visually stunning piece that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is informative. The map's design reflects the Renaissance ideals of beauty and knowledge, embodying the era's spirit of exploration and discovery.

Historically, this map holds significant value as part of Ortelius' Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, the first modern atlas. It provides a unique window into the 16th-century world, capturing the geographical knowledge and political realities of the time. The map's detailed depiction of rivers, forests, and towns, along with its artistic flourishes, makes it a prized possession for collectors and historians alike. Owning this map is like holding a piece of history, a testament to the enduring legacy of Abraham Ortelius and his contributions to the field of cartography.

Cities and towns on this map

• County of Mansfeld:
• Mansfeld
• Bernburgh
• Rockendorf
• Dorndorff
• Berga
• Halle
• Ascanien
• Halberstat
• Helbron
• Thale
• Freyberg
• Merynberg
• Sondershausen
• Tarnow
• Ballenstede
• Anhalt
• Sangerhausen
• Artern
• Eisleben
• Querfurt
• Weissenfels
• Zeitz
• Naumburg
• Apolda
• Weimar
• Jena
• Erfurt
• Gotha
• Eisenach
• Mühlhausen

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Rivers:
• Salsa River
• Helm River
• Forests:
• Several dense forested areas depicted, though not individually named.
• Terrain:
• Varied terrain including hills and possibly mountainous regions.
• Political Boundaries:
• Detailed depiction of the County of Mansfeld and surrounding regions.
• Decorative Elements:
• Ornate cartouches and embellishments typical of Ortelius' maps.
• Bodies of Water:
• Various smaller lakes and ponds.
• Roads and Paths:
• Some pathways or roads connecting major settlements.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Mansfeldiae Comitatus Descriptio auctore Tilemanno Stella Sig.
• When the map was made: 1575
• Mapmaker or publisher: Abraham Ortelius
• Interesting context about the mapmaker: Ortelius is known for creating the first modern atlas, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum.
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• Political boundaries: Detailed depiction of the County of Mansfeld and surrounding regions.
• Physical features: Rivers such as the Salsa and Helm, and various terrains including forests and hills.
• Countries and regions shown on the map:
• Germany, specifically the County of Mansfeld and adjacent areas.
• Design or style of the map:
• Old color technique, characteristic of 16th-century cartography.
• Detailed illustrations of physical and political features.
• Historical significance or context:
• Part of the first modern atlas, providing valuable historical insights into the geography and political boundaries of 16th-century Germany.

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.

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.