This plate was originally from the 1628 edition of the ‘Atlas Minor’ by Johannes Janssonius (Jansson, 1588-1664). It is a derivative of John Smith’s highly important map of Virigina, 1612, and engraved by Pieter van den Keere. It is the first atlas derivative to be published. There were several editions of the ‘Atlas Minor’ through to 1651.

After Jansson’s death in 1664 the fate of the copperplates is unknown. In the early 1700s they passed into the hands of Pierre van der Aa. They were included in the extremely rare ‘L’Atlas Soulagé’ published in Leiden, c.1710. In nine parts, the final part relates to the non-European continents. For this issue the plate was revised, most noticeably with some names altered such as the sea to ‘Mer de Virginie’ and the title to ‘La Virginie’. The two cartouche are also re-engraved as is the Explanation itself. The scale is also reworded in French.

Pierre van der Aa (1659-1733) was born in Leiden, the son of a stone cutter or sculptor. By the time he was nine years old he was already apprenticed to a bookseller. By 1682 he was the owner of a bookshop and auction. His output is so large that Koeman was sure that there were works yet to be identified. His printed catalogue of 1729 alludes to the fact that works could be made to order. As with many of his published books, the source of the plates contained within is various. Burden (1996-2007) I no. 223 & II p. xxv; Koeman (1967-70) I Aa 5 no. 217, II Me 194 no. 143; Tooley’s Dictionary (1999-2004); Verner (1963); Verner (1968) pp. 136-47 & 163.