Pierre (Pieter) Mortier Paintings

Pierre (Pieter) Mortier was a Dutch engraver, printer, and publisher of French descent, born in Leiden in 1661. His work primarily focused on the production of maps and atlases. Mortier's family moved from France to the Netherlands due to the religious persecution of Huguenots. In Amsterdam, he capitalized on the robust Dutch printing and cartography industry of the 17th century, which was renowned throughout Europe.

Mortier's business flourished by focusing on the publication of French geographical works in Dutch editions, which appealed to the affluent Dutch and European market. Among his notable works was the 'Atlas Nouveau', which contained maps after the French cartographers Guillaume Delisle and Nicolas Sanson, among others. Mortier's success can be attributed to his access to up-to-date French cartographic materials, which he re-engraved and published with exceptional quality.

In addition to maps and atlases, Mortier also published books and prints, including historical works and volumes on the arts. His publishing house became a family business when his son Cornelis joined. Eventually, the Mortier firm expanded its offerings to include a wide range of materials, from maps and plans to books and artistic prints.

Pierre Mortier's contribution to cartography and publishing extended beyond his death in 1711. The Mortier family business continued under the leadership of his wife and later his son, Cornelis, who partnered with Johannes Covens to form the famous firm Covens & Mortier, which remained active well into the 19th century. Their collaboration helped perpetuate the Mortier legacy in the history of mapmaking and publishing. The Mortier name is often associated with high-quality cartographic works that reflect the expertise and craftsmanship of the Dutch Golden Age of cartography.