By: Romeyn de Hooghe

Date: 1694 (dated) Amsterdam

Dimensions: 23.5 x 55.5 inches (59.7 x 141 cm)

This is a very fine original color example of Romeyn de Hooghe's monumental chart of the Mediterranean Sea which also depicts parts of Europe. western Asia and Northern Africa.

The large central map features 38 intricately detailed insets depicting important cities. islands and ports of the region. Numerous galleons. frigates and galleys plying the waters. along with allegorical figures and sea monsters all embellish the map. Battles at sea are depicted with cannons blazing and smoke billowing. The map appeared in a special section of Mortier's Neptune François. separately titled Cartes Marines a l'Usage des Armées du Roy de la Grande Bretagne.

The nine charts in the section. all engraved by Romeyn de Hooghe. are described by Koeman as the most spectacular type of maritime cartography ever produced in 17th century Amsterdam. This particular chart of the Mediterranean is the largest and most intricately decorated of the nine.

Mortier's production of the Atlas was intended to flatter William III of Orange. the Dutchman who had been crowned monarch of Great Britain during the Glorious Revolution of 1688. to whom the atlas was dedicated. The involvement of artists of the caliber of de Hooghe. along with the unprecedented size of the atlas resulted in one of the most lavish of such works of its time. and one of the most costly. 

Condition: This splendid map with lavish old coloring is in A+ condition.

Inventory #11311

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