Pieter Schenk, also known as Pieter Schenck, was a Dutch engraver, cartographer, and publisher who was born in Elberfeld, Duchy of Berg (now part of Germany) in 1660. He moved to Amsterdam in 1675 and became a student of Gerard Valck, a well-known engraver and map publisher. Schenk married Valck's sister in 1687, which helped him join the family business and eventually led to him becoming a prominent figure in the world of mapmaking and print publishing of his time.
Schenk's work is characterized by its fine detail and artistic quality. He produced a wide range of materials, including maps, atlases, prints, and books. He became known particularly for his maps and atlases, and he collaborated with Gerard Valck to produce globes and geographical works that were highly regarded for their accuracy and craftsmanship. Schenk also became involved in the art market, selling paintings alongside prints and maps.
The partnership between Schenk and Valck was fruitful, and their business expanded to include not only cartographic works but also prints of various subjects such as portraits, historical scenes, and allegorical images. Schenk was also known for his skill in mezzotint engraving, a technique that allowed for the creation of prints with a rich tonal range, making them resemble drawings or wash paintings.
Schenk's legacy includes his contribution to the 'Atlas Contractus,' a comprehensive atlas that featured maps from around the world, as well as his work in the development of mezzotint engraving techniques. After Valck's death, Schenk continued the business, expanding his publishing work and maintaining a reputation for high-quality prints and maps. Schenk's sons, Pieter the Younger and Leonard, continued the family business after his death, which is believed to have occurred either in late 1718 or early 1719 in Amsterdam. His works remain collectible and are valued by map enthusiasts and art collectors alike.
