VAN DER AA, P. - Naaukeurige Kaart Van Tartaryen . . .

This attractive map of Tartary shows the ancient Silk Road region. The map shows the track of William of Rubruck (Willem van Rubroeck or in ; Latin: Gulielmus de Rubruquis; (1248–1255). Willem de Rubrouck was a Flemish Franciscan missionary and explorer. He is best known for his travels to various parts of the Middle East and Central Asia in the 13th century, including the Mongol Empire. His account of his travels is one of the masterpieces of medieval travel literature, comparable to those of Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta.

The map has two separate engravings: the map itself (23 x 16 cm) and the engraved framework border.

Map detail extends from the Mediterranean in the west to Korea (depicted as an island) in the east. A figured title cartouche appears at top left corner and beneath the map text runs in French explaining that the map describes the travels, from Turkey through Central Asia to Cathay, of one Guillaume De Rubruquis in 1253.Although not renowned for the originality of his work, Pieter van der Aa is highly thought of for the design and quality of his output.
This is an attractive map with a delightful title cartouche.