Old Map of the North Sea and Atlantic in 1575 by Abraham Ortelius - Iceland, Greenland, Scandinavia, Frisland

This striking chart of the North Sea and North Atlantic was engraved by the great Flemish-Dutch cartographer Abraham Ortelius and included in his 1575 edition of the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, widely regarded as the world's first modern atlas and the single most important collection of world maps produced in the sixteenth century. Ortelius worked from Antwerp, compiling and standardising the best available charts of his era into one authoritative volume, and this sheet was originally hand-coloured by skilled artists working from his workshop. More than four centuries on, it remains one of the most sought-after depictions of the northern seas ever produced, prized as much for its beauty as for its glimpse into Renaissance-era geography.

The engraving stretches from North America, labelled here by its old name of Estotilant, across the top of the Arctic Circle and eastward as far as the coast of Russia, taking in the whole sweep of Scandinavia, the British Isles, Iceland and the Baltic lands along the way. Many towns and villages across northern Europe are individually labelled, inviting the viewer to search for a familiar name. Most famous of all are the phantom islands scattered across the ocean: Frisland, Drogeo and Icaria, imagined landmasses that explorers of the day believed they had charted, but which were later found to be confusions with Greenland or simply figments of the imagination. Frisland in particular is drawn in surprising, confident detail for an island that never actually existed.

With its blend of real coastline and imagined geography, this map makes a wonderful history lover's gift, a striking piece of travel-inspired decor, or a talking point for an office or study wall. It also suits a retirement present for a keen sailor or geographer, or a thoughtful housewarming gift for anyone drawn to the sea and the age of exploration. Every fine engraved line and place name has been carefully restored from the original, preserving the intricate detail Ortelius and his workshop achieved almost 450 years ago.