Perth 1729
Aa, Pieter van der, 'Vue de la ville de Perth', in, La Galerie Agréable du Monde, ca. 1729
This is a miniaturised version of a view of Perth originally produced by John Slezer, from 1688 Captain of the Artillery Company and Surveyor of Their Majesties Stores and Magazines in the Kingdom of Scotland, in his 'Theatrum Scotiae,' a volume of views and prospects of cities, towns and other important sites in Scotland, first published in 1693. Pieter van der Aa (1659-1733), a publisher and bookseller based in Leiden in the Low Countries, used such existing maps and views, taken from relevant publications of his contemporaries and of earlier producers, and re-worked them in a much reduced form for use in his own publications. His La Galerie Agréable du Monde, consisting of 27 volumes and over 3000 maps, plans and views, including this view of Perth, was completed in 1729. Perth is seen from an elevated point above the east bank of the River Tay, looking due west, and with St John’s Kirk in a prominent position. Interestingly, at the extreme left of the view can be seen three large ships reflecting the fact Perth was at that time at the tidal extremity of the River Tay.
