The Catalan Atlas (Detail of King of Organa and Central Africa)
Cartographic manuscript; portolan chart on vellum panels • Abraham Cresques and Jehuda Cresques (Majorcan Cartographic School)
Style & Movement
International Gothic style applied to medieval cartography
Medium & Technique
Ink, tempera, gold leaf, and silver leaf on vellum (parchment)
Creation Period
Circa 1375
Dimensions & Format
Original atlas consists of six vellum leaves, each approximately 65 x 50 cm; Portolan format
Subject Description
Detailed section showing the King of Organa seated with a sword and shield, surrounded by loxodromic lines (rhumb lines), a caparisoned elephant, and crenelated city symbols. The text in Catalan describes the regional rulers. It reflects 14th-century European perceptions of African geography and monarchies.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. Significant historical aging, foxing, and surface abrasions visible.
Estimated Market Value
Inestimable (National Treasure of France)
Auction Estimate
N/A (Institutional asset; theoretical value would exceed $50-100 million)
Provenance History
Commissioned for the library of King Charles V of France; held in the French royal collection and currently in the Bibliothèque Nationale de France (MS Espagnol 30).
Art Historical Significance
The most important map of the medieval period, representing the pinnacle of the Majorcan School. It synthesizes geographical knowledge with biblical lore and traveling accounts (like Marco Polo’s).
Notable Features
Features a unique blend of nautical chart accuracy with decorative miniature painting; the use of rhumb lines intersecting at compass roses is a hallmarks of the Majorcan technique.
Condition Issues
Visible foxing (brown spots), pigment loss in the blue areas of the King's robe, darkening of silver leaf due to oxidation, and wear along original fold lines.
Conservation Recommendations
Strict climate control (50% RH), protection from UV light, and display in an anaerobic or low-oxygen case to prevent further oxidation of metallic leaf.