Nova tabula terrarum Cucan, Canara, Malabaria, Madura & Coramandelia, cum parte septroniali insulae Ceylon, in Mari Indico Orientali. Edente Hadriano Relando

1728

Later hand-coloured copper engraving on paper

Print Size: 19.75 x 23.25 in (49.8 x 59 cm)
With Mount: 25.75 x 29.5 in (65.3 x 75 cm)

A Dutch sea chart depicting the coastline of India, first published in the rare fifth volume of Van Keulen’s Zee-Fakkel (Sea Torch) in 1728.

The map illustrates ships of both Dutch and indigenous design navigating the waters; it features towns and trading posts marked by flags on land, alongside representations of elephants, leopards, and camels.

Gerard van Keulen (1678 -1726)
The Van Keulens constituted a lineage renowned for their expertise in chartmaking and publishing endeavours. Johannes van Keulen (1654-1715) established the company In de Gekroonde Lootsman (In the Crowned Pilot) in 1678, under which he initially sold books and navigational instruments, particularly cross-staffs. In 1680, he obtained a privilege from the States of Holland and West Friesland to publish pilot guides and sea atlases.

In the same year, van Keulen published his Zee-Atlas (Sea Atlas), which established his reputation in the competitive realm of maritime publishing. In 1681, he released the inaugural volume of Nieuwe Lichtende Zee-Fakkel (New Shining Sea Torch), which would ultimately be expanded to five volumes, first published between1680 and 1684, followed by a sixth volume incorporated in 1753. The atlas contained charts meticulously assembled by Claes Jansz Vooght, accompanied by the artistic work of Jan Luyken. It enjoyed significant popularity and was reissued until 1783, with translations available in French, English, Spanish, and Italian.

The late 17th century was a particularly opportune period to enter the maritime chart industry. Former industry leaders had either ceased operations, retired, or passed away, opening the doors for a new contender to emerge. Van Keulen acquired the inventory and rights of various maritime publishing enterprises, the most significant of which was the stock of Hendrik Doncker, obtained in 1693.

Upon the passing of Johannes, his son Gerard (1678-1726) assumed control of the business. Known for his exceptional abilities as an engraver and a mathematician, Gerard was appointed Hydrographer to the Dutch East India Company VOC (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie) VOC in 1706.

Subsequently, Gerard’s son Johannes II (1704-1770) took over the business. He was also associated with the VOC as their chartmaker, due to which his charts were considered quasi-official government documents. Using the closely guarded geographic knowledge gained from the VOC, Johannes the Younger was able to contribute a sixth volume to the Zee-Fakkel, which focused on the East Indies. He further engaged in the sale of instruments, notably the Hadley’s Quadrant, a remarkable invention from 1744.

Upon the demise of Johannes II in 1770, his widow continued to run the business with her two sons, Cornelis Buys (1736-1778) and Gerard Hulst (1733-1801). The family enterprise, now in its centenary, had diversified to include an anchor manufacturing facility. After the death of Cornelis in 1778, Gerard assumed sole responsibility of the firm. He supervised the incorporation of sextants into their collection and initiated the publication of the Dutch Nautical Almanac starting in 1788. Annual editions were published until 1885. Gerard was also an original member of the Dutch Commission for Longitude at Sea, a position he held from 1787.

Following Gerard's demise, his widow adeptly managed the business for a span of nine years, until their son, Johannes Hulst, assumed leadership of the firm in 1810. In 1844, the enterprise transitioned from familial ownership to the stewardship of Jacob Swert, a proficient cartographer who had been associated with the firm for 20 years. In 1866, he entrusted the work to his son, who also bore the name Jacob. By the mid-19th century, the transition from sail to steam and subsequent reduction in the number of sailors reduced the demand for maps, charts, and navigational instruments. In 1885, following a remarkable 207 years of operation, In de Gekroonde Lootsman ceased its activities and proceeded to auction its inventory.

This lot 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.