Antique map of Persia by Olearius A. 1656
Pieter van der Aa (Leiden, 1659-1733)
Pieter van der Aa was already in 1682 owner of a bookshop and auction house. During his life, he has published an enormous amount of printed material.
After 1700, van der Aa increasingly specialised in books on geography and travel.
He published composite atlases, a series of geographical descriptions of European countries, and some very spectacular works. Between 1706 and 1708 he published the Naauweurige versameling der gedenkwaardigste zee- en land-reysen, in 28 volumes.
Many of Van der Aa’s publications are richly illustrated with maps and plates. He took over many copperplates and prints from other publishers such as Carel Allard and Frederik De Wit. The composite atlases that appeared from his workshop contain a curious mixture of his own material, copies of maps from other publishers, and reprints made from old copper plates, now with his own imprint.
The Galérie agréable du monde, was completed in 1729, and comprised 66 parts, bound in 27 volumes. Van der Aa presented it as a good investment; after publication, the antiquarian value of the work would double, the more so since it was printed in a limited edition of only one hundred copies.
Nova Delineatio Persiae et Confinorum Deteri Longe Accuratior Edita. Anno 1655
Item Number: 18946 Authenticity Guarantee
Category: Antique maps > Asia > Middle East
Copper engraving
Size: 39 x 55cm (15.2 x 21.5 inches)
Verso: Blank
Condition: Two sheets joined, small tear in fold repaired.
From: Olearius A., Vermehrte newe Beschreibung der muscowitischen und persischen Reyse ... Schleswig, 1656.
This map represents a significant achievement in the history of cartography, especially owing to its portrayal of the Caspian Sea. Olearius' map - in contrast to the other European Baroque maps of the Caspian - begins to show the Sea correctly, namely as being longer from north to south than from east to west. This is due to the author's eyewitness observations, as well as his use of Islamic sources.
Pieter van der Aa (Leiden, 1659-1733)
Pieter van der Aa was already in 1682 owner of a bookshop and auction house. During his life, he has published an enormous amount of printed material.
After 1700, van der Aa increasingly specialised in books on geography and travel.
He published composite atlases, a series of geographical descriptions of European countries, and some very spectacular works. Between 1706 and 1708 he published the Naauweurige versameling der gedenkwaardigste zee- en land-reysen, in 28 volumes.
Many of Van der Aa’s publications are richly illustrated with maps and plates. He took over many copperplates and prints from other publishers such as Carel Allard and Frederik De Wit. The composite atlases that appeared from his workshop contain a curious mixture of his own material, copies of maps from other publishers, and reprints made from old copper plates, now with his own imprint.
The Galérie agréable du monde, was completed in 1729, and comprised 66 parts, bound in 27 volumes. Van der Aa presented it as a good investment; after publication, the antiquarian value of the work would double, the more so since it was printed in a limited edition of only one hundred copies.