Utrecht provincie – Bernard de Roy, 1743

WALL MAP OF UTRECHT PROVINCE

“Nieuwe kaart vanden Lande van Utrecht” Copper engraving, assembled from multiple sheets, made by Bernard de Roy (also: de Roij) in 1696, here in the second state published by Covens and Mortier in 1743. Coloured by a later hand. Size (image): 121 × 184 cm (frame: 150 × 215 cm).

This is the best-known map of the province of Utrecht and, following the publication of this more detailed second state, it remained for approximately a century the most authoritative cartographic representation of the province. All later maps would draw upon it.

De Roy’s large-scale map belongs to a series of wall maps that appeared in the seventeenth century for many parts of the Netherlands. In the absence of a uniform large-scale map covering the entire territory of the Dutch Republic, these cartographic works, produced at varying scales and differing in quality and execution, formed the principal source of geographical knowledge of the individual provinces.

The map of “Den Lande van Utrecht” was valued not only for its geographical information but also for decorative and representational purposes, serving as a dignified and appropriate adornment for both the meeting halls of governing bodies and the homes of affluent private individuals. Unfortunately, this intended use usually led to almost certain destruction. Exposed to light, dust, moisture, soot, temperature fluctuations, frequent handling, and other adverse conditions, copies mounted on canvas or wood deteriorated severely over time and generally met an unremarkable end. This particular example did not initially fulfil its intended function as a wall map; instead, it was preserved in bound atlas form and was only mounted in the twentieth century.

Surrounding the map were engraved borders depicting the coats of arms of Holland, the city and province of Utrecht, magistrates, and views of Montfoort, Wijk bij Duurstede, Utrecht, Rhenen, and Amersfoort. These decorative elements, printed on separate sheets, are not present with this example.

Literature: Facsimile edition with an introduction by A.H. Sijmons (1973).

Price: SOLD