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Johannes van Call
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Acquired from A.B. Loosjes-Terpstra
Acquisition 1993
Date Ca. 1694-1697
Size Oblong 19 x 25 cm.
Signature 2211 B 24
In 1993, Mrs. A.B. Loosjes-Terpstra offered this remarkable book to the Koninklijke Bibliotheek as a token of appreciation for having the opportunity to use the collection so intensively for her dissertation, Moderne kunst in Nederland 1900-1914 [Modern art in the Netherlands] (Utrecht 1958).
The Admirandorum quadruplex [quadruple spectacle of miracles] is a collection of 71 engravings by the Nijmegen artist Johannes van Call (1656-1722). Divided into four sections, the collection presents views of the Rhine, Het Loo, Honselaarsdijk, The Hague and Amsterdam. The engravings were published by Petrus Schenk (1660-1713), a German engraver who established himself in Amsterdam in 1684. In addition to being a prolific artist, Schenk also published maps, prints and books. He published numerous exquisite books of plates, among them this Admirandorum quadruplex.
What makes this work so special can be seen by the illustration: the prints are in colour! This makes it one of the first books printed in colour in the Netherlands. With respect to the technique used, Jan Teyler had applied for the patent on 20 February 1688. Mr Teyler had been a professor of philosophy at the Illustere Academie [Illustre Academy] in Nijmegen but he was also a member of the Great Elector Friedrich Wilhelm's army.
He was very interested in military affairs, and - to increase the chances of it being granted - his patent application includes mostly military applications for the colour printing process. However, no examples of this use of the technique are known. These prints were made by inking the plate with various colours and then pressing it. This à la poupée technique was not new but Teyler developed it further and drew attention to it. Many older copper plates which previously had been used only for black and white prints were printed off again, only this time in colour. The fact that this was the case with these engravings by Van Call may be because Van Call and Teyler were both originally from Nijmegen and were on friendly terms. The accompanying illustration shows the brilliant effect. The Korte Vijverberg in The Hague, with one of the old buildings of the Koninklijke Bibliotheek, the current Mauritshuis, off to the right, looks like a wonderful place for a walk with all the leafy green trees!
(MVD)
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