Pascaert vande Noort-Zee om achter Yrland en Schotland om te seylen. / Mare Germanicum ac Tractus Maritimus retro Hiberniam et Scotiam
[Chart of the North Sea to circumvent Ireland and Scotland / The German Sea and the stretch of sea back to Ireland and Scotland]
Amsterdam: DE WIT, Frederick, c. 1675
Size (neatline): 56.6 x 49.0 cm / 22.3 x 19.3 in
Size (sheet): 60.9 x 53.6 cm / 24.0 x 21.1 in
Technique: Copper engraving
Colour: Hand coloured
Verso: Blank
Condition: Very good
Beautiful De Wit sea chart of the North Sea
Description
This sea chart shows the North Sea, taking in the British Isles, the Faroe Islands, and the adjacent coastlines of Continental Europe.
Similar to portolan charts, geographical detail is concentrated along the coastlines, with countless locations named.
Navigational elements include rhumb lines and an indication of shoals.
The chart features two compass roses and is further embellished with numerous sailing ships, some of which are engaged in battle. Putti hold up the coats of arms of Ireland, Scotland, England, and Norway.
There are two highly decorative title cartouches – one in Dutch, at top right, and one in Latin, at bottom right. The former shows a logging scene and features Athena with a fox and a bear. The latter is surmounted by the Dutch Republic Lion and depicts a mixed group of allegorical figures, including Urania, Aphrodite, and Poseidon/Neptune.
At bottom right of the chart, a distance scale is depicted in common German miles.
A highly ornate chart of Northwestern Europe.
Condition
Very good.
A sharp impression on strong, watermarked paper, issued folding. Beautiful colouring throughout (partially in outline), including to cartouches and embellishments. Light, even toning, stronger along the edges of the sheet. At centre right, a minor crease and minute tear, closed on verso with archival tape. Small remnants of hinge tape in top two corners on verso.
Item #: 02336
US $1,800.00