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Scarce early 18th Century map of Ancient Italy, based upon the earlier work of Philipp Cluver.
This map of Italy, attributed to Philipp Clüver, appears in the Atlas Antiquus, Sacer, Ecclesiasticus et Profanus, published in 1705. The Atlas Antiquus was an ambitious work that aimed to recreate the geographic and political landscapes of biblical and classical antiquity through a series of 89 maps, drawn in the tradition of Ortelius' Parergon. This volume stands out among classical atlases for both the breadth of its cartographic content and its fine craftsmanship, borrowing heavily from the work of notable cartographers such as the Sanson family, Philippe de la Rue, and Pierre Duval.
Philipp Clüver (1580–1622), a pioneering German geographer and antiquarian, is known for his groundbreaking work in historical geography, particularly his method of correlating classical sources with geographic locations. His Italia Antiqua, originally published in 1624, was foundational in reviving interest in the ancient world through maps, and the inclusion of his work in this atlas pays homage to his influence on early modern geographic scholarship. By the 18th century, classical and biblical atlases like this were not merely geographical references; they served as crucial tools for scholars and theologians seeking to explore the physical and spiritual dimensions of ancient history.
Pierre, or Pieter, Mortier (1661-1711) was a Dutch engraver, son of a French refugee. He was born in Leiden. In 1690 he was granted a privilege to publish French maps in Dutch lands. In 1693 he released the first and accompanying volume of the Neptune Francois. The third followed in 1700. His son, Cornelis (1699-1783), would partner with Johannes Covens I, creating one of the most important map publishing companies of the eighteenth century.
Nicolaas Visscher II (1649-1702) was a prominent Dutch cartographer and publisher during the late 17th century. He was the grandson of Claes Janszoon Visscher and the son of Nicolaes Visscher I, both of whom were also renowned cartographers in their own right. After his father's death in 1679, Nicolaas Visscher II took over the family's map publishing business.
In 1680, he married Elizabeth Verseyl from Gouda, and in 1682, he obtained a new privilege from the States of Holland and West Friesland to protect his maps and publications from being copied. Visscher II continued the family tradition of producing high-quality maps, atlases, and globes, often with elaborate and decorative elements. He maintained the Visscher family's reputation for accuracy and craftsmanship in the competitive world of Dutch cartography until his death in 1702. After his death, his widow, Elizabeth, and later his son, also named Nicolaas, continued the business until around 1726.
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