Pierre van der Aa (1659-1733) was born in Leiden, the son of a stone cutter or sculptor. By the time he was nine years old he was already apprenticed to a bookseller. By 1682 he was the owner of a bookshop and auction. His output is so large that Koeman was sure that there were works yet to be identified. His printed catalogue of 1729 alludes to the fact that works could be made to order. As with many of his published books the source of the plates contained within is various. This map is likely from the 'Cartes des Itineraires et Voyages Moderne', published in 1707. The map displays the Pacific Ocean with California as an island, but focuses on South East Asia whilst displaying a significant portion of New Holland (Australia). The reference in the title is to Lopo Vaz de Sampaio, the Portuguese Governor of India from 1526-29. He was also captain of Vasco de Gama, the famous explorer. Koeman (1967-70) I pp. 1-30, Aa1 no. 17.