1700 An Untitled Map of Crete and Surrounding Islands in the Aegean Sea
DESCRIPTION
By: Pierre Mortier
Date: 1700 (circa) Amsterdam
Dimensions: 22 x 32 inches
This elegant sea chart of the Aegean Sea, is untitled but with the inscription of “XIᵉ Feuille”, was published in Amsterdam by Pierre Mortier in the late 17th to early 18th century, likely between 1693 and 1710.
Centered on the island of Crete (labeled “Isle de Candie”), the map extends northward to encompass the Cyclades, Dodecanese, and numerous smaller Greek islands in the Aegean Archipelago. The coastlines of the Morea (now Peloponnese) and Anatolia (now Turkey) adorn the top left and right corners respectively.
The coastline is intricately outlined in red and green washes, while place names are finely engraved in French, consistent with Mortier’s practice of republishing maritime atlases for a francophone audience. A network of rhumb lines radiating from compass roses act as printed tools once essential for early maritime navigation.
The use of “Feuille XI” (Sheet 11) and the presence of scale bars and privilege text indicate that this map was originally part of a larger navigational atlas, most likely one of Mortier’s celebrated editions of “Le Neptune François”, an ornate and highly influential sea atlas first issued in 1693.
Pierre Mortier (1661–1711) was a prominent publisher and bookseller based in Amsterdam, who played a significant role in expanding access to high-quality nautical charts through collaborations and reissues of earlier Dutch works. His editions often improved on earlier models with enhanced engraving, decorative flair, and updated geographic detail.
Condition: Map is in very fine condition with some faint staining and offsetting and a trimmed right margin. Paper is heavy as is the print impressions and colors are bold.
Inventory #12975
CONDITION
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