1729 VAN DER AA, P. - Historic Map - Naaukeurige Kaart Van Tartaryen, Soo als dat door W De Rubruquis doorreyst.

This attractive map, published by Pieter van der Aa, depicts Tartary and the ancient Silk Road region. The map shows the track of William of Rubruck (Willem van Rubroeck or in ; Latin: Gulielmus de Rubruquis; (1248–1255). Willem de Rubrouck was a Flemish Franciscan missionary and explorer. He is best known for his 13th-century travels across the Middle East and Central Asia, including the Mongol Empire. His account of his travels is a masterpiece of medieval travel literature, comparable to those of Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta.

The map has two separate engravings: the map itself (23 x 16 cm) and the figured-border engraved framework.

From "Galérie agréable du monde", completed in 1729 and comprising 66 parts, bound in 27 volumes. Van der Aa presented it as a good investment; after publication, the antiquarian value of the work would double, the more so since it was printed in a limited edition of only one hundred copies

Map detail extends from the Mediterranean in the west to Korea (depicted as an island) in the east. A figured title cartouche appears at the top left corner and beneath the map text runs in French explaining that the map describes the travels, from Turkey through Central Asia to Cathay, of one Guillaume De Rubruquis in 1253.

Although not renowned for the originality of his work, Pieter van der Aa is highly regarded for the design and quality of his output.
This is an attractive map with a delightful title cartouche.

Pieter Vander Aa (1659 - 1733)

After 1700, van der Aa increasingly specialized in geography and travel books. He published composite atlases, a series of geographical descriptions of European countries, and some spectacular works. Between 1706 and 1708, he published the Naauweurige versameling der gedenkwaardigste zee- en land-reysen, in 28 volumes.

Many of Van der Aa’s publications are richly illustrated with maps and plates. He took over many copperplates and prints from other publishers such as Carel Allard and Frederik De Wit.

The composite atlases from his workshop contain a curious mixture of his own material, copies of maps from other publishers, and reprints from old copper plates, now bearing his imprint. 

The Galérie agréable du monde, was completed in 1729, and comprised 66 parts, bound in 27 volumes. Van der Aa presented it as a good investment; after publication, the work's antiquarian value would double, all the more so since it was printed in a limited edition of only 100 copies.