Spain - Catalonia; F. De Wit - Accuratissima Principatus Cataloniae et Comitatum Ruscinonis et Cerretaniae Descriptio. - 1670

Technical Sheet

Title: The Most Accurate Description of the Principality of Catalonia and the County of Rossellón (Roussillon) and Cerdenya (Cerdagne).
Author: Frederick de Wit (1630–1706)
Publisher: Frederick de Wit
Place: Amsterdam
Period / Date: Second half of the 17th century, circa 1670–1690
Technique: Engraved copper plate print, etching and engraving
Support: Vellum-quality paper.
Dimensions: Engraving 49 × 57 cm; sheet 52.5 × 62.5 cm.
Composition: Single plate from the Atlas Major, with a central vertical editorial fold.
Verse: White, with handwritten numbering “12”.

Description

Geographic map of the Principality of Catalonia and the counties of Rossellón (Rosellón) and Cerdenya (Cerdagne), by Frederick de Wit and published in Amsterdam in the Atlas Major. The depiction includes the northeastern sector of the Iberian Peninsula, from the lower Ebro to the Pyrenees, extending toward southern French territories and the Gulf of León.

The cartographic drawing features rich toponymy and a detailed description of towns, the river network, and territorial subdivisions. The relief is shown with mountain profiles, while cities and smaller localities are marked by conventional small symbols. The coloring emphasizes territorial boundaries, the coastline profile, and ornamental elements.

In the upper left corner dominates a draped cartouche supported by putti, containing the Latin title and the cartographer’s name. At the bottom right, a second decorative composition gathers putti, vegetal elements, a crown, and three shields left blank, arranged over a pedestal with scale lines in German, Spanish, and French miles. The graduated border and two orientation indicators complete the plate.

Historical-artistic note

Frederick de Wit was one of the leading cartographers and publishers active in Amsterdam in the late 17th century. His atlases fit into the great Dutch cartographic tradition, combining precision of the sign, abundance of geographic information, and baroque decorative taste.

The plate documents a region of particular political and strategic interest, lying between the Spanish monarchy and the Kingdom of France. The joint depiction of Catalonia, Rossellón, and Cerdenya preserves the geographic and historic unity of these Pyrenean territories. The absence of a dated inscription suggests a placement in the latter half of the 17th century.

Condition Report

Excellent condition, with a sharp impression. Usual central vertical editorial fold, reinforced on the verso with a thin paper strip. Minor yellowing along the fold and occasional foxing, mainly marginal and on the verso. Small restoration along the lower edge and slight waviness of the paper."} } ) 0 that is incorrect formatting; ensure single JSON object. Wait. Ensure only one key translated_text. The above has extra characters. Let's fix. Provide clean JSON.