Cartographic Map of the Russian Empire by Frederick De Wit, 17th Century for sale at Pamono

Description

Cartographic Map of the Russian Empire, Frederick De Wit

Frederick de Wit’s copy of the old map by Nicolaes Vissher and Christopher Brown depicting European Russia, with mention in the cartouche of Nicolaes Witsen. Witsen was the mayor of Amsterdam, an expert in naval engineering whose great victories included friendship with Czar Peter I of Russia, nicknamed the Great. During a visit to Amsterdam by the Tsar, Witsen gave him access to the private facilities of the Dutch East India Company and was of great assistance in the selection of Dutch sailors for the Imperial Navy of the Russian Federation.

Christopher Browne and Nicolaes Vissher usually worked together in the creation of maps during the last decades of the 17th century, for that reason, this map contains a sign that says “at London by Christopher Browne”.

Frederick de Wit (1629 ca.-1706)

He was born in the Dutch town of Gouda and was engaged in cartography and the map trade. In 1648 he moved to the city of Amsterdam where he worked for much of his life at his printing press The Three Crabs; later to be called The White Chart. Since 1660 he has been known for publishing an atlas with a large selection of maps. After his death, an auction was held in which most of his plates went to Pieter Mortier, whose brand was Covens & Mortier, one of the most important cartographic houses during the eighteenth century.

Dimensions
– Plate: 61 x 72 cm
– with frame: 67 x 78 cm