Rare map of the Low Countries, by Caspar Specht. Includes large cartouche and massive banner cartouche, showing 7 coats of arms and the political divisions within each region named, including Gelderland, Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Vriesland, Overyssel and Groeninge. Remargined at the bottom, with neatline reinstated, else a fine example. We were unable to locate any records of the map in dealer catalogues, auctions or public institutions, except a 1995 acquistion list for the University of Utrecht.
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.