Aa, Pieter van der | The height of Dutch engraving

Aa, Pieter van der

A group of six maps. Leiden: 1705

6 copper engraved maps (to sight, 5 of 6 approximately: 670 x 510 mm; Planisphere Terrestre to sight: 670 x 540 mm). Handcoloring; a few stray spots, one or two repairs to versos of central folds. Each matted and framed; not examined out of frames. 

Maps include:

Nova Orbis Terraquei Tabula Accuratissime Delineata...

Planisphere Terrestre Suivant les nouvelles Observations... 

Africa in Praecipuas Ipsius Partes Distributa ad Observationes Academiae Regiae Scientiarum et Exquisitissimas Tabulas...

America in Praecipuas Ipsius Partes Distributa ad Observationes Academiae Regiae Scientiarum et Exquisitissimas Tabulas...

Asia in Praecipuas Ipsius Partes Distributa ad Observationes Academiae Regiae Scientiarum et Exquisitissimas Tabulas...

Europa in Praecipuas Ipsius Partes Distributa ad Observationes Academiae Regiae Scientiarum et Exquisitissimas Tabulas...

Only edition of a complete set of of world and continental maps.

One of the most preeminent engravers of the day, van der Aa was responsible for elevating map engraving to an unparalleled level of sophistication. Beyond their remarkable aesthetic attributes, these maps mark significant advancements in cartography. van der Aa's North Polar projection ("Planisphere Terrestre") was based on the 1696 Planisphere by Cassini, which had been drawn at the Paris observatory. It was developed using data collected from various observatories, including those from such far off places as Guadeloupe, Malacca, and Nanking. Cassini's was the first map to set standard longitudes for for known places based on scientific calculations, and it was van der Aa's version—or evolution—of this remarkable map that helped further the Enlightenment.

A striking set.

Group lots not subject to return.

REFERENCE:

See: Bagrow, History of Cartography; Tooley, Landmarks of Mapmaking; World Encompassed