La Ville de Venise en Italie - P. Van der Aa 1729

📜 Description
Antique engraved view depicting the city of Venice and its lagoon setting, published in Leiden in 1729 by Pieter Van der Aa within the “Thesaurus antiquitatum et historiarum Italiae”. The composition presents a panoramic perspective of the city seen from the lagoon, with particular attention to Venice’s monumental skyline, sailing vessels, port activities, and the lively maritime traffic animating the scene. The image is enclosed within an elaborate engraved architectural frame conceived as both a decorative and scenographic element, characteristic of early 18th-century Dutch antiquarian publishing. The engraving technique, fine and analytical, provides an orderly reading of the composition while balancing documentary function and illustrative effect. The inscription “La Ville de Venise en Italie” clearly identifies the subject, while the publisher’s imprint “A Leide Chez Pierre vander Aa” confirms the typographic origin of the work. A representative example of 18th-century European descriptive and antiquarian cartography, the print constitutes a significant iconographic testimony to Venice and its maritime and commercial importance in the early modern period.

📚 Historical-Artistic Note
Pieter Van der Aa was among the leading publishers and cartographers active in the Netherlands between the 17th and 18th centuries, renowned for the publication of geographical, historical, and antiquarian works intended for a learned European audience. The “Thesaurus antiquitatum et historiarum Italiae” was conceived as an extensive illustrated collection dedicated to Italian cities, monuments, and antiquities. Views of this type testify to the widespread European interest in Italy’s urban and historical heritage during the early 18th century.

🧾 Technical Data
Type: Antique view
Author / Maker: Pieter Van der Aa
Publisher / Printer: Pieter Van der Aa
Place: Leiden
Period: 1729
Material: Paper
Technique: Etching
Subject / Title: “La Ville de Venise en Italie”
Edition / Print Run: From “Thesaurus antiquitatum et historiarum Italiae”
Dimensions: Sheet approx. 35.5 x 45.5 cm; plate approx. 23.5 x 40 cm

🔍 Condition Report
Sheet in very good overall condition with light and normal signs of age. Engraved surface well inked and clearly legible. Blank verso.