Lighthouse at Plymouth – Engraving by Pieter van der Aa, Leiden 1707
€ 160
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1707
Sheet size
12.2 × 15.7 cm (4.8 × 6.2 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13825-5
Condition
Wear consistent with age and use. Condition report: Good condition. Strong impression on laid paper with visible plate mark, mounted on paper backing. Minor age toning, with small imperfections at the sheet edges consistent with age. Reverse blank.
About this sheet
Lighthouse at Plymouth – Pieter van der Aa, Leiden 1707
This fine small-format copper engraving by Pieter van der Aa (1659–1733) depicts the famous lighthouse off the coast of Plymouth, England. The tower, standing on a rocky outcrop, is shown with elaborate architectural detailing, including balconies, flag, lantern housing, and mechanical hoists. In the background, numerous sailing ships animate the busy seascape, emphasizing the strategic and maritime importance of Plymouth as one of England’s principal naval harbors. The plate is inscribed “Das LeuchtHaus vor Plymouth” and numbered “N. 9.”
The image represents the Eddystone Lighthouse, the earliest offshore lighthouse in the world, designed by Henry Winstanley and first lit in 1698. Winstanley’s ambitious structure was destroyed in the great storm of 1703, only a few years before Van der Aa published this engraving in Leiden in 1707. The engraving therefore serves as a rare contemporary record of this extraordinary architectural achievement, which combined Renaissance ornament with practical maritime engineering.
Pieter van der Aa was one of the most prolific publishers of the Dutch Golden Age, issuing maps, city views, travel accounts, and illustrated works from his press in Leiden. His engravings are prized today for their decorative appeal and their role in disseminating knowledge of world geography, architecture, and history across Europe.
Condition report: Good condition. Strong impression on laid paper with visible plate mark, mounted on paper backing. Minor age toning, with small imperfections at the sheet edges consistent with age. Reverse blank.
Framing tips: A simple dark or walnut-stained wooden frame with a light cream or off-white mount would highlight the architectural details. Alternatively, a maritime-themed blue mount would emphasize the naval context and make the engraving visually striking on display.
Technique: Copper engraving Maker: Pieter van der Aa, Leiden, 1707
