Lot 64850: De Wit - Map of the World

This remarkable folio engraving from a composite atlas of maps from Frederick De Wit. It was published in Amsterdam after 1688. It features original hand-coloring. De Wit published composite atlases using plate stock of his own and other Amsterdam map publishers. This included maps from the likes of Hondius, Bleau, and Visscher.

"The De Wit composite or 'dual-purpose' atlas is an early example of an atlas planned at its outset to serve as a land and a sea atlas in one. Koeman lists these works according to the number of maps and by and large this progression gives a fair idea of their development and therefore dates, beginning in the early 1660s. But he acknowledges it is not accurate and often subject to revised opinion. The index is quite unlike any of those listed in Koeman." (Wardington Catalogue)

Frederik De Wit (1629-1706) created a leading publishing firm in Amsterdam during the golden age of Dutch cartography. He was a catographer and mapseller that was best known for his atlases and his Dutch town maps. After De Wit's passing his wife, Maria, ran the shop for a few years before selling. At this point, most of his plates went to Pieter Mortier.

~ 24 1/2" by 20 3/4" (Fold Out)

Originally Hand-colored Engraving

c1688

The work is in good to very good condition overall. There is some old paper repair and archival tape at verso mostly to repair some weakness at plate or fold or from the oxidation of the color. There is some offset or color bleeding to the paper. On some of the engravings from this work, the oxidation of the color has weakened the paper and archival tape is placed at verso to reinforce the paper. There may be some wear or small separation at folds. There may be minor imperfections to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.

Composite Atlas