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Description

Scarce map of the Iberian Peninsula, published by Gerard Valk.

The title of the map reads: Hispaniarum Portugalliaeque Coronarum Typus Novus; in quo pro ut a Geographis et Politicis, Dividitur Earundem Distributiones Distinctissime Nunc Exhibentur per Gerardum Valk. Cum Privilegio. Translated, it means: A New Map of the Crowns of Spain and Portugal; Presented Here Most Clearly Divided According to Geographers and Politicians, by Gerard Valk. With Privilege. This title highlights the focus on the geopolitical divisions and the authoritative presentation of the territories belonging to the Spanish and Portuguese crowns. 

The cartouche is a richly allegorical composition designed to reflect the political and territorial power of the Spanish and Portuguese monarchies during the period of the map’s creation. At the top, cherubs hold a crown, symbolizing the sovereignty and divine right of the two crowns. These celestial figures emphasize the perceived divine favor and legitimacy of the monarchies' rule. Beneath them, an eagle—a traditional emblem of imperial authority and dominance—stands as a representation of the empires' global strength, particularly their influence across Europe and the New World.

On the right, a figure in royal regalia, draped in an ornate mantle, likely represents the personification of the Spanish or Portuguese crowns. Standing beside heraldic symbols, this figure reinforces the dynastic and territorial claims of the empires. The military scene in the lower left depicts soldiers, naval weaponry, and banners, symbolizing the martial and maritime strength that underpinned the global dominance of these empires. The inclusion of waves and ships reflects the maritime nature of their power, integral to their roles in exploration, trade, and conquest.

Finally, the laurel wreath encircling the text signifies victory and glory, while the olive branch held by one of the cherubs symbolizes peace, possibly referencing the balance between conquest and diplomacy in the maintenance of their empires. Together, these elements create a visually striking declaration of the crown's strength, legitimacy, and influence. 

This cartouche functions as a celebration of the Spanish and Portuguese empires' power and territorial achievements. Combining classical imagery with contemporary political symbolism, it underscores their maritime dominance, military prowess, and divine right to rule.  

Condition Description
soiling at far left center and far right center.
Gerard Valk Biography

Gerard Valk, or Gerrit Leendertsz Valck (1652-1726) together with his son Leonard, were the only significant publishers of globes in the Netherlands in the eighteenth century, enjoying an almost total monopoly in the first half of the 1700's. Initially an engraver and art dealer, and having worked for map-sellers Christopher Browne and David Loggan in London between 1672 and 1679, Valk established the firm in Amsterdam in 1687. Initially, they published maps and atlases, but in 1700 the company moved the shop to the building previously occupied by map and globe-maker Jodocus Hondius. In 1701, he applied for a charter for making globes and the "Planetolabium", designed by Lotharius Zumbach de Coesfelt (1661-1727), an astronomy lecturer at Leiden University. The Valks produced several editions of 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 24-inch diameter terrestrial and celestial globes. The cartography, as stated on the cartouche, is based closely on the celestial atlas Uranographia, published in 1687 by the celebrated Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius (1611-1687).

Around 1711, when he became a member of the bookseller's guild, Leonard Valk (1675-1746) came into partnership and his name started to appear alongside that of his father on the cartouches of the globes, although the earliest of these, both terrestrial and celestial, still bear the date 1700. Leonard naturally took over the business on his father's death in 1726, and following his own death in 1746 the firm was run by Maria Valk, cousin, and wife to Gerard. By then its days of glory had passed. Leonard Valk died in relative poverty: his wife had to take in the washing of their aunt to make ends meet. The late eighteenth century saw a number of successful reissues by publisher Cornelis Covens (1764-1825), who ran the famous cartographical publishing house of Covens & Mortier (1721-1866) in Amsterdam. This firm was the biggest Dutch one for publishing maps in the 18th century. It was located on the Vijgendam (Fig Dam), the southern part of what is now Dam Square, the central hub of the city. They didn't move out of their building, but they did change addresses. At first in 1795 the whole Dam was rebaptized into Revolution Square, then it got the name Napoleon Square, till in 1813 after Napoleon's fall Covens & Mortier were back again at the Vijgendam.