Hand-colored copper engraving by Daniel de La Feuille, circa 1720
€425.00
This authentic antique print, measuring 18 cm × 46 cm , created by Daniel de La Feuille as a fine example of Hand-colored copper engraving work from the 18th Century (1700s).
Published by Johannes Ratelband, Weege, it is preserved in Very Fine condition and displays remarkable period craftsmanship.
1 in stock
This richly detailed, hand-colored print from the early 18th century shows Gibraltar and its fortified structures in this 1720 Gibraltar fortifications map. Daniel de La Feuille designed this map. Johannes Ratelband & Weege published it in Amsterdam around 1720. It highlights Gibraltar’s important role at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. The map features a bold red city plan, showing natural elevations, roads, and military defenses. A panoramic sea view includes ships and detailed coastlines. Two inset elevation views offer perspectives across the strait and northwest. A large key identifies landmarks, batteries, and defenses. Decorative cartouches, a compass rose, and allegorical figures add artistic charm.
This 1720 Gibraltar fortifications map was created shortly after Gibraltar’s capture in 1704 during the War of Spanish Succession. It reflects Dutch military and maritime interests in the area. The copperplate engraving measures 18 by 46 cm and is in excellent condition. It shows strong impressions and vibrant colors, with only minimal signs of aging. This print combines military mapping, maritime power, and Dutch print artistry. It is a prized historical document and an attractive piece for collectors interested in Mediterranean history and 18th-century cartography.
Daniel de La Feuille (c. 1640–1709) was a French engraver, book dealer, and map publisher of Huguenot origin who fled to Amsterdam in 1683 due to religious persecution. He established himself as a goldsmith, engraver, and art dealer in Amsterdam, where he published many books of emblems and maps between 1692 and 1707. His works include detailed maps of European regions and emblem books, combining artistic engraving with scientific and symbolic content. Daniel de La Feuille is noted for his contributions to cartography and engraving in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, with his publications highly regarded by collectors for their historical and artistic value.
During the 18th century, mapmaking became more scientific and precise. Improved instruments like the telescope and chronometer helped cartographers increase accuracy, shifting maps from decorative art to factual documents. Copperplate engraving stayed as the main printing method, producing fine lines, while hand-coloring added visual impact. French cartographers, such as the Cassini family, led national surveys with geodetic measurements and triangulation, while Dutch mapmakers like Joan Blaeu enhanced printing and atlas quality, ushering in a golden age of atlases.
Maps began including more information and notes to help users, and ornate decorations mostly gave way to scientific clarity, except for cartouches and borders. National and colonial ambitions guided map production to aid navigation and territorial claims. By the late 18th century, large-scale surveys set modern cartography standards. Today, 18th-century maps mix scientific knowledge with artistry, are prized by collectors, and have influenced later cartographic methods. They offer insights into Enlightenment exploration and geography.
| Dimensions | 18 × 46 cm |
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| Frame | No Frame |
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| Publish Date | circa 1720 |
| Published by | Johannes Ratelband, Weege |
| Technique | Hand-colored copper engraving |
Our antique prints are carefully packaged to ensure safe arrival.
Smaller prints are shipped in acid-free, flat protective packaging, while larger works are securely rolled and sent in a sturdy tube to preserve their condition.
Netherlands: €7.50 —
European Union: €15
Outside the EU: On request (contact us for an exact quote)
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Our highest classification. These prints are clean, bright, and exceptionally well-preserved, featuring a strong and crisp image. No notable imperfections.
Prints in this condition show a clean, sharp image. Paper quality or margin size may vary slightly. Minor age-related characteristics, such as small wormholes, light toning, or tiny separations may be present depending on the print date.
No major imperfections. Any minor flaws or historical repairs are fully noted in the product description. Overall a well-preserved and collectible piece.
These prints show noticeable imperfections such as foxing, weaker image strength, or longer separations, but remain collectible. All visible characteristics are clearly described.
