Le nouveau theatre du monde

Acquired From: Paulus Swaen

Colouring: Uncoloured

Condition: Fair

Confirmed: Yes

Date Acquired: 2021

Dealers ID No.: 25938

Description: This intricately engraved title page introduces Le Nouveau Théâtre du Monde, ou La Géographie Royale (The New Theatre of the World, or The Royal Geography), a comprehensive geographical work first published in 1713 by Pieter van der Aa, a leading Dutch mapmaker and publisher in Leiden from the 1690s through the early 1730s. The title page appears to be drawn and engraved by by François van Bleiswijk.nThe allegorical composition features five mythological and symbolic figures:n''Cybele'', the goddess of the earth, is seated in her chariot drawn by a cheetah and a lion. She wears a turreted crown and gestures towards ''Geography'', who holds an open book and uses dividers on an unmarked map, suggesting a focus on India and the Far East. Behind Geography stands a seaman's cross-staff, symbolising navigation. Opposite Geography is ''Time'', depicted as a bearded man with an hourglass on his head and a scythe in hand, counting the passing years on his fingers. Behind Time is ''Neptune'', god of the sea, holding his trident, representing maritime power. In the background, ''Hercules ''holds up the heavens with his club behind him, symbolising strength and celestial exploration.nThe backdrop features a bustling maritime and trading scene, alluding to global commerce and the Dutch Republic's significant role in early modern geography and navigation.

First published: Le Nouveau Theatre du Monde, ou La geographie royale Leiden: Pieter van der Aa, 1713

Image Size (cm): 51.5×35.5

Mapmaker: Bleiswijk, François van

Price: A400

Primary Category: Titlepage

Sheet size (cm): 55.5×39.5

Shirley ID #: 80 Courtiers and Cannibals

Technique: Copper Engraving

This state: 1740

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