5627 - Van Keulen, Rare - Map of the Gulf of Benin (West Africa)

Van Keulen, Rare - Map of the Gulf of Benin (West Africa) Description of the work: This extraordinary, originally hand-colored map is from the exceedingly rare atlas from Johannes and Gerard Van Keulen entitled De Groote Nieuwe Vermeerderde Zee-Atlas ofte Water-Waerld. Vertoonende in zig alle de Zee-Kusten des Aardryks. Bestaande in zeer nette Kaarten, zo platte als wassende Graden: waar in ontdekt zyn alle Baayen, Reeden, Klippen, Droogtens, Dieptens, Anker-plaatzen, en alle Strekkingen en Opdoeningen van Landen: ook haar lengten en Polus hoogten, &c. Dienende tot Opbouwinge en Voortplantinge der Scheepvaart, uit nieuwe Opgevingen van Schippers, Stuurlieden en Liefhebbers der Zeevaart. Te zamen vergaadert en in ‘t ligt gebragt, door Gerard van Keulen, &c. The work was published in Amsterdam by Gerard van Keulen in 1708 (but 1709). [The Dutch letterpress title is dated 1708 and contains the address of Gerard van Keulen, while the general allegorical title and 5 allegorical divisional titles are all dated 1709 and show the address of Johannes van Keulen. A further letterpress title in French is dated 1709 and has the address of Gerard van Keulen.] Johannes van Keulen (1654-1711) was a Dutch publisher. He was said to have produced “the largest and finest marine atlases in Holland.” (Koeman) He received a privelege from the States General of Holland and West Friesland in order to printe maritame atlases and shipping guides. The privilege was to protect his printed material from illegal reproduction. He named his printing firm, In de Gekroonde Lootsman, which grew to be one of the most successful Amsterdam publishing firms. He collaborated with other cartographers including Claes Janszoon Vooght and Johannes van Luyken. Keulen's first atlas, entitled Zee Atlas, contained only 40 charts. By 1695 his atlas would have 160 charts. His son, Gerard, took over publication in 1704 and expanded the atlas to 185 charts by 1709. Gerard van Keulen (1678-1727) was a skilled engraver, mathematician, and chart-maker. He was appointed Hydrographer to the Dutch East India Company in 1714. The van Keulen publishing firm operated continuously from 1678 to 1885 with three generations of the family active in the firm. Paper Size: ~ 25" by 21" (Fold Out) Paper Type or Special Features: Originally Hand-colored Engraving Condition: The work is in very good to excellent condition overall. The plates may exhibit some occasional tears, some slight damage or loss to a small number of plates and charts, occasional creases, short tears and stains. Generally considered excellent condition for the age. There is slight wear to extremities, remains of ties to the cover / binding. There may be a few minor imperfections or faint marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.