“Chorographia Terrae Sanctae in angustiorem formam redacta, et ex variis auctoribvs a multis expurgata.” Copperplate map, two sheets conjoined.

Based on the 1632 map by the Jesuit theologian, historian and Bible scholar Jacobus Tirinus (1580-1636) from his study on the Holy Land: Commentarius Vestus et Novum Testamentum Tomis Tribus Comprehensus. The map ranges from Syria and Tyre southward as far as the Sinai, Egypt and Thebes. The city of Ramesse is indicated as the starting point of the Exodus and the wandering of the Jews into the desert and across the Red Sea – where Pharaoh is shown inundated by the returning waters following Moses’ parting of the sea. In the Sinai, we can follow the footsteps of the Jews to Mount Sinai, where Moses is depicted throwing down the Tablets. Heading northward, the lands claimed by the various tribes of Israel are beautifully detailed along with major cities, camps, roads, and trade routes. The Mediterranean is decorated with sailing ships and in the lower left quadrant, a surveying tool between two censors. Surrounding the map proper on the left, right, and lower margins, there are as many as 19 inset maps and vignettes. The largest and most central of these is a stunning city plan of Jerusalem - after Villalpando’s ‘Hierosolymae Veteris Imago’ - which notes the various important buildings located there. Other images include the Ark of the Covenant, Israelite coins, Roman antiquities, views of a Menorah, various angels and a plan of the Temple. This map was most likely engraved by Cornelius Galle and printed in Antwerp by Martinus Nutius. It went through several printings in the subsequent 20 years following its first appearance, so determining the exact issue is, for the most part, impossible. <<All in all an extraordinary production, one of the most attractive maps of the Holy Land produced.>>