Cresques Abraham, 1325 – 1387

Cresques Abraham's 2 Most Famous Paintings

Facsimile of the Catalan Atlas. Leaves V and VI is the painting Cresques Abraham is best remembered for; it belongs to the Maritime Museum of Barcelona, Barselona. Our catalogue counts 2 works by Cresques Abraham. Here are the 2 most famous, with the year, the museum and the story of each canvas.

Rangos vieta nulegiama pagal mūsų populiarumumo balas, kurį sudaro kiekvieno kūrinio paieškos, apsilankėjimai ir užsakėjimai. Atnaujinta spalis 2026. Each painting on this page can be ordered as an oil reproduction painted by hand on linen canvas, or as a fine art print, made to the size you choose.

Cresques Abraham · 1325 – 1387

Gedė · mirė: 1325 – 1387, Palma de Mallorca
Darbai mūsų kataloge: 2
Labiausiai žinomi: Facsimile of the Catalan Atlas. Leaves V and VI
Daugiausia darbų yra: Maritime Museum of Barcelona

The ten best-loved paintings by Cresques Abraham

Facsimile of the Catalan Atlas. Leaves V and VI

Parchment · Maritime Museum of Barcelona, Barselona

To gaze upon the Facsimile of the Catalan Atlas, Leaves V and VI, is to embark on a voyage through time, transported back to the golden age of maritime exploration. Created around 1375 by the master Jewish cartographer Abraham Cresques and his son Jehuda, this exquisite work represents the pinnacle of the Majorcan cartographic school. This particular facsimile captures the breathtaking essence of two large parchment sheets that serve not…

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Catalan Atlas

1375 · Madrybo karo laivų muziejus, Madridas

This nautical chart or

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Where Cresques Abraham's canvases hang

2 muziejai, kuriuose saugoma daugiausia šioje pusėje esamų paveikslų.

Muzejaus	Miestas	Cresques Abraham darbai	Šiojo sąrašo paveikslai
Maritime Museum of Barcelona	Barselona	1	Facsimile of the Catalan Atlas. Leaves V and VI
Madrybo karo laivų muziejus	Madridas	1	Catalan Atlas

Cresques Abraham's most famous canvases, one year after another

The dated canvases of Cresques Abraham on this page all belong to 1375: here they are, in order of fame.

1375

2 of 2
Catalan Atlas
Amžius 50 · Madrybo karo laivų muziejus
This nautical chart or

Cresques Abraham's canvases, question by question

Which canvas is Cresques Abraham most remembered for?Read the answer

Facsimile of the Catalan Atlas. Leaves V and VI.

How many paintings did Cresques Abraham create?Read the answer

2 works by Cresques Abraham are in our catalogue.

Where do Cresques Abraham's most famous canvases hang today?Read the answer

Mostly in Maritime Museum of Barcelona (Barselona) ir Madrybo karo laivų muziejus (Madridas); the list above names each museum and its canvases.

Where can I buy a reproduction of a Cresques Abraham painting?Read the answer

Yes. Every painting on this page can be ordered from its own page as an oil reproduction painted by hand, or as a fine art print, in the size you choose.

Meet the painter: Cresques Abraham

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.

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