Amsterdam c.1699-1700

NOVISSIMA | et | PERFECTISSIMA | AFRICÆ | DESCRIPTIO | Authore | I. DANCKERTS | Amstelodami. | cum Privilegio.

Original copperplate printed map: 
49 x 56.5 cm.
Map #AFS-050
$1,200

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The Danckerts family were prominent print and map publishers active in Amsterdam for almost 100 years, starting with Cornelis I (1603-1656).  The business was most active from about 1630 to 1727, when the stock of maps in the shop of Theodorus II, Cornelis I's great-grandson was sold. As Koeman states (1967-71, II: 88), 'Their cartographic work has, compared with that published by the Blaeus or Janssonius, attracted but little attention and has never received proper recognition.'  Justus appears to have been most active as a map publisher from 1664 when he was registered in the booksellers' guild of Amsterdam, until 1701 when he died. This map was prepared, using a new plate, by Theodorus I Danckerts (1663-c. 1727), who did the relief and numbers, and by Eduard Danckerts (? - after 1721), who did the lettering.

New research suggests that the publishing date for this map is closer to 1699 or 1700, than the earlier date of 1696 as mentined by Koeman and others..

Although the Danckerts obtained a privilege in 1684, it is interesting that they delayed taking advantage of their privilege on a map of Africa until the issue of this map. As the 1684 privilege expired in 1699, it seems logical and reasonable that a second privilege was issued around this time (1699-1700).

On this map, the Danckerts added placenames along the coasts, particularly in West and Southern Africa, though the names seem to be used primarily to give an appearance of updated information.  The map has a fine engraving style and there are numerous engraving changes from the earlier Danckerts maps.

The map of Africa was issued separately at first.  From c. 1700/1701, it appeared in Danckerts' atlases and in various Dutch composite atlases. The map is known in three variants, based on extensive and thorough reworking of the cartouche and on partly retouched geography.

Betz, Map #168.  Not in Norwich.

Very Good, with some spotting to the paper.