Decorative map of South America, colored by colonial regions. Includes 2 large decorative cartouches, one of which includes a coast of arms at the top, which is highlighted in gold. A bit of show through on the upper right side of the right cartouche from some manuscript text notes on the verso, else a nice example in old color.
The Ottens brothers, Reiner and Joshua, operated a successful printing partnership in the mid-eighteenth century (fl. 1726-1765). They began the venture in 1726, publishing maps and other prints as “R & I Ottens.” They specialized in the reprinting of others’ work, especially Guillaume De L’Isle. In 1750, Reiner died; his soon, also Reiner, took his place, but the firm began listing their works as “Joshua & Reiner Ottens.” The firm lasted until Joshua’s death in 1765. Joshua’s widow, Johanna de Lindt, sold their remaining stock of plates in 1784.