L‘ Inde de ca Le Gange Suivant les Nouvelles Observations de Mess‘rs de l‘ Academie Royale des Sciences, etc.

Circa 1725

Later hand-coloured copper engraving on paper

Without mount: 12.9 x 15.7 in (33 x 40 cm)
With mount: 18 x 22.2 in (45.8 x 56.5 cm)

This exquisite map drawn at the height of the Mughal Empire's growth covers the majority of India and is surrounded by an exquisite frame border. Compass rose and ornate cartouche with scales, elephants and beehive-style homes on the lower right. Although the hue of the numerous historic princely states of the subcontinent serves as a distinguishing factor, most of these nations were by now ruled by Emperor Aurangzeb's Mughal Empire (reigned 1656-1707). The Mughals never succeeded in taking over all of southern India, but they did extend their influence there during Aurangzeb's rule. Most remarkably, their advance was halted by the powerful Kingdom of Mysore. The English, Dutch, Portuguese, French, and Danes were among the European powers that ruled over a large portion of the coastal regions at the same time. The map shows the locations of all of their many forts and trading sites.

The source of this map is La galerie agreable du monde. Tome premier des Indes Orientales, published by P van der Aa, Leyden, c. 1725. This well-known work is the largest print/map book ever published, having been released in 66 sections. In addition to frequently adding wide ornate borders, Van der Aa included plates by other publishers, including Blaeu, Visscher, de Wit, Meurs, Halma, Mortier, and Allard. Most likely the most expensive and comprehensive global mapping project ever undertaken. Reportedly, a mere 100 copies were produced. Reference: Phillips 2780 note; Koeman Aa9.

Pieter (Pierre) van der Aa (1659-1733)
He was one of the most active mapmakers and chroniclers of exploration expeditions in the Netherlands, who was stationed in the university town of Leiden. He produced bootleg copies of illustrated books and international best-sellers. However, his extensive body of work is most recognized for his atlases and maps. Van der Aa was born into a family of German Holstein stonecutters. It's interesting to note that the three van der Aa sons eventually got into the printing industry. Boudewyn was a printer, while Hildebrand was a copper engraver.

This work will be shipped unframed

NON-EXPORTABLE

This lot will be shipped in "as is" condition. For further details, please refer to the images of individual lots as reference for the condition of each lot.