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Cresques Abraham Most Popular Paintings

The 2 artworks by Cresques Abraham our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 2 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Cresques Abraham · 1325 – 1387

Facsimile of the Catalan Atlas. Leaves V and VI

Maritime Museum of Barcelona, Barcelona · original 58 x 44 cm

Intricate medieval nautical charts from the 1375 Catalan Atlas by Abraham Cresques showcase vibrant global civilizations and detailed cartography, offering a rare glimpse into history for collectors to explore.

View the most popular artwork of Cresques Abraham ranked #1: Facsimile of the Catalan Atlas. Leaves V and VI

Art Movement: Medieval Cartography
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 2 artworks by Cresques Abraham
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17839 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$22658 × 44 cm Commission at original size

Catalan Atlas by Cresques Abraham, 1375

1375 · Naval Museum, Madrid

A detailed medieval world map on aged parchment, featuring intricate illustrations of empires and the first compass rose on a portolan chart.

View the most popular artwork of Cresques Abraham ranked #2: Catalan Atlas

Art Movement: Gothic
Color Palette: Pastels

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 2 artworks by Cresques Abraham
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$22862 × 16 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Cresques Abraham

1325 – 1387

Quick facts

Top 3 worksFacsimile of the Catalan Atlas. Leaves V and VI, Catalan Atlas
Top-ranked workFacsimile of the Catalan Atlas. Leaves V and VI
Works on APS2
Museums on APSMaritime Museum of Barcelona, Naval Museum
Born1325, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Died1387

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.

Questions & Answers

In which movements did Cresques Abraham work?

Cresques Abraham's works can be browsed by movement on the artist's All Movements page.

Where can I see all artworks by Cresques Abraham?

Every work by Cresques Abraham on this website can be browsed from the artist's All Artworks page.

In which historical period did Cresques Abraham work?

Cresques Abraham worked in the Late-Medieval period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.

By the TopImpressionists.com Editorial Team Updated Sept. 1, 2026

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