Composite Atlas

Ottens

Publication Date: 1730

About this Item

Precise dating of the composite atlas is impossible. Where maps are dated in the plate these vary between 1648 and 1730, most of them between 1710 and 1730. As the firm was active assembling atlases for private clients it is thus reasonable to date the atlas between 1730 and 1750. That the atlas has been put together for a client by one and the same cartographer/mapseller is also clear. Almost all the maps are coloured by the same hand though they were made by more than a dozen different cartographers. It seems that the Ottens brothers bought the maps in black and white and had them coloured by their own colourist. Typically a few strong colours would be used and the elaborate cartouches would be left black and white. This helps to contrast the scientifically rigorous geography from the often romantic images of the cartouche. The use of these strong colours was started by Schenk and Valk circa 1680 and assumed later by many others, also in Germany (Homann and Seutter). Only two or three maps in the atlas have the cartouches coloured, possibly later. It would be ideal to identify the first owner who ordered the atlas. There are no hints to be found except for the fact that the atlas includes the map of Gooilandt, a very rare map and a map, coloured in tones, different from the others. It was probably coloured already before it was integrated in the composite atlas. My guess would thus be that the composer/owner of the atlas was Dutch and lived in het Gooi.

Seller Inventory # 942

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Composite Atlas
• Publication Date: 1730
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Very Good