Copper engraving, 442 x 577 mm, hand-coloured. A rare first state of two. A fair copy with restoration, with added side margins One of the most decorative and rare maps of Great Britain and Ireland produced by Jan Baptist Vrients (1552–1612) The map first appeared in 1606, and this is the first version of the map, with a dedication to James I.

 Vrients acquired the publishing rights to the Theatrum after Ortelius’s death and continued to publish further editions, including maps of his own creation. It is estimated that only 1,650 copies of this map were printed, and fewer than 17 are currently in circulation. 
 Below is a family tree starting at the bottom with William the Conqueror in 1066 and rising to King James at the top in 1603. The cartouche in the lower left-hand corner depicts a legend of 52 counties with their characteristics in 10 columns. The engravings are of high quality and depict galleons, a sea monster, a mermaid and Neptune. The features of the land and coastal points are described in great detail. Reference: Shirley: 323 and 275 / Van den Broecke: 17, state 1