ALLARD, Carel (1648-1709)

Exactissima Asiæ Delineatio, in Præcipuas Regiones, Cæterasq[ue] Partes divisa...

Amsterdam: Allard, circa 1703. Engraved, full period colour with occasional heightening in gilt. Cartouche after Phillip Tideman (1657-1702). In good condition apart from some light soiling to margins, light spotting, old vertical crease, small marginal tear at old fold. Sheet size: 21 1/4 x 25 1/8 inches.

This masterful map of Asia represented a vast amount of recently accumulated geographical knowledge. The difference between the European conception of Asia in 1600 and that of 1700 is remarkable. As one would expect, the first improvements were coastal. The configurations of Japan, China, the East Indies and Indochina had vastly improved, and in some cases (China for example) accurate knowledge of the interior was being pieced together. The most recent Asiatic knowledge came from Nicolas Witsen, prominent politician, friend of Peter the Great, and maker of a map of Siberia, incorporated here. Witsen is credited in the map. The topography of mountain ranges and forests and the lettering are beautifully engraved, and the whole continent is depicted with great clarity, characteristic of Allard's maps. The cartouche, drawn by Philip Tideman and beautifully engraved, shows an Asian potentate before whom Asian art works, products, exotic animals and flowers are displayed.

Koeman, Al. 10.

Item #17852

Price: $2,250.00