Catalan Atlas
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Catalan Atlas
Reproduction Medium
Reproduction Size
-
Total Price
$ 350
Questions & Answers
Is "Catalan Atlas" by Cresques Abraham a light or a dark artwork?
"Catalan Atlas" is brilliant overall, and its luminance is luminous.
Where can I see the original "Catalan Atlas" by Cresques Abraham?
The original "Catalan Atlas" by Cresques Abraham is held at the Naval Museum, Madrid, Spain. A reproduction allows the work to be displayed at home.
Are there works similar to "Catalan Atlas"?
The Similars page of "Catalan Atlas" by Cresques Abraham presents related artworks.
Artist Biography
Early Life and Origins
- Name: Cresques Abraham (his given name was actually Cresques, Abraham being his father's name)
- Alternative Names: Eliça, son of Rabbi Abraham
- Born: Palma de Mallorca, Spain, circa 1325
- Died: 1387
- Background: Cresques was born into a Jewish family in Majorca, then part of the Crown of Aragon. His grandfather, Vidal Cresques, was a prominent figure within the local Jewish community. The family’s involvement in cartography and related crafts likely began before his birth.
The Catalan Atlas and Cartographic Expertise
- Major Work: Cresques is most renowned for his authorship of the Catalan Atlas, completed around 1375 in collaboration with his son, Jehuda Cresques.
- Commissioned by: Prince John of Aragon, intended as a gift for Charles VI of France.
- Content and Significance: The Catalan Atlas was more than just a map; it served as an encyclopedia of geographical, political, economic, and zoological information. It included the first incorporation of a compass rose on a portolan chart.
- Cartographic Style: Cresques’s work combined practical navigational charts (portolans) with decorative elements and detailed illustrations. He demonstrated expertise in geography, astronomy, and navigation.
Influences and Development
- Majorcan Cartographic School: Cresques was a leading member of the Majorcan cartographic school, which flourished during the 14th century. This school produced some of Europe’s finest nautical charts.
- Jewish Tradition in Cartography: Jews played a significant role in medieval mapmaking and instrument creation, leveraging their skills in mathematics, astronomy, and international trade.
- Arabic Influence: The cartographic traditions of the Islamic world likely influenced Cresques' work, particularly in terms of astronomical knowledge and map projections.
Legacy and Historical Significance
- Pioneering Cartographer: Cresques is considered a pioneer in nautical cartography, contributing significantly to the development of accurate and detailed sea charts.
- Impact on Navigation: His maps facilitated trade and exploration by providing sailors with reliable navigational tools.
- Cultural Significance: The Catalan Atlas reflects the cultural and scientific advancements of 14th-century Europe, showcasing a blend of art, science, and commerce.
- Family Legacy: Cresques’s son, Jehuda Cresques, continued his father's work and later became a cartographer in Portugal under Henry the Navigator, further extending the family’s influence on mapmaking.
Later Years and Conversion of His Son
- Royal Protection: Cresques and his son received royal protection from Pedro IV of Aragon, including financial support and exemptions from certain regulations.
- Jehuda's Conversion: Following anti-Jewish outbreaks in Spain in 1391, Jehuda converted to Christianity and changed his name to Jaime Ribes. He continued his cartographic work under the patronage of John I and later Martin of Aragon.
- Mestre Jacome de Mallorca: Jehuda became known as Mestre Jacome de Mallorca and worked for Henry the Navigator in Portugal, contributing to Portuguese explorations along the African coast.
Cresques Abraham
1325 - 1387 , Spain
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Cresques Abraham
- Nationality: Spanish
- Date Of Birth: 1325
- Date Of Death: 1387
- Place Of Birth: Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Notable Artworks: ['Catalan Atlas']
- Artistic Movement Or Style: Nautical cartography

Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM
