Witsen Collection

SIBERIA: SHAMAN. A shaman of the Tungus people of Siberia, with antlers and ritual drum. Copper engraving, Dutch, 1705, after a drawing by Nicolaes Witsen

Map of Vlieland, Terschelling and the surrounding sandbanks, 1708 or later. Creator: Isaak de Graaf
Map of Vlieland, Terschelling and the surrounding sandbanks, 1708 or later. At top left the title: Flie en Schellinger stroom [stream], and a comment: Note the cyffers with black

Map of Noord-Holland, Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, part of Friesland... 1712. Creator: Isaak de Graaf
Map of Noord-Holland, Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, part of Friesland and the surrounding sandbanks, 1712. Top left, cartouche with the title Texel en Flie-stroom (Texel and the Flie-stream)

Downy-flowered witsenia, Witsenia maura. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by S. Nevitt after a botanical illustration by Mrs Augusta Withers from Benjamin Maund and the Rev

Tsar Peter the Great and Mayor Nicolaes Witsen studying a map, 1814. Artist: Marcus, Jacob Ernst (1774-1826)
Tsar Peter the Great and Mayor Nicolaes Witsen studying a map, 1814. Found in the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Banquet of the Amsterdam Civic Guard in Celebration of the P
Bartholomeus van der Helst (1613-1670). Dutch painter. Banquet of the Amsterdam Civic Guard in Celebration of the Peace of Munster, 1648. Rijskmuseum. Amsterdam. Netherlands

Map MagnAŠ TartariAŠ magni Mogolis imperii IaponiAŠ et ChinAŠ
Map, Magnae Tartariae, magni Mogolis imperii, Iaponiae et Chinae, nova descriptio ex tabula... D.N. Witsen... per F. de Witt, Frederick de Wit (1630-1706), Nicolaes Witsen (1641-1717)

Map Imperii Russici sive MoscoviAŠ status generalis
Map, Imperii Russici, sive Moscoviae status generalis in ejus regna, ducatus, provincias populosque subjacentes divisus et ex tabula spectat.mi domini N. Witsen... pro maiori parte excerptus per F

Portrait Nicolaes Cornelisz Witsen Jacob Houbraken
Portrait of Nicolaes Cornelisz. Witsen, Nicolaes Cornelisz. Witsen, Jacob Houbraken (mentioned on object), Amsterdam, 1749 - 1759, paper, engraving, h 183 mm × w 116 mm

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"Witsen: Exploring the World through Art and Knowledge" Step into the captivating world of Witsen, a name that resonates with exploration, artistry, and intellectual curiosity. From Siberia to Amsterdam, from shamanic rituals to grand banquets, Witsen's influence spans continents and centuries. In 1705, Dutch artist Nicolaes Witsen captured the enigmatic beauty of a Tungus shaman in Siberia. With antlers adorning his head and a ritual drum in hand, this copper engraving transports us to the mystical realm where ancient traditions intertwine with nature's wonders. Fast forward to an opulent banquet held by the Amsterdam Civic Guard. The city celebrates its prosperity while Mayor Nicolaes Witsen stands among distinguished guests. His presence signifies not only leadership but also an insatiable thirst for knowledge as he engages Tsar Peter the Great in studying maps. Speaking of maps, another masterpiece attributed to Witsen emerges - "Map Magna Tartaria. " This intricate cartographic marvel unveils vast territories like Mogolis imperii IaponiAŠ et ChinAŠ, and is through such meticulous renderings that we glimpse into uncharted lands and unravel mysteries yet unknown. But let us not forget that behind these illustrious achievements lies a man named Nicolaes Cornelisz Witsen himself. A portrait immortalizes him thanks to Jacob Houbraken's skilled brushstrokes. Through this painting, we catch a glimpse of his character - determined yet contemplative; adventurous yet grounded. Woven together by threads of exploration and artistic expression, these glimpses into various facets of life showcase how one individual can leave an indelible mark on history. Whether it be documenting distant cultures or fostering intellectual exchange between nations, Witsen reminds us that knowledge knows no boundaries.