Amsterdam Nieuw-West , North Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe

Thomas van Erpe

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, May 6, 2023

1. Thomas van Erpe Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Thomas van Erpe (Erpenius) 1584 - 1624

Hij was een Nederlands orientalist. Na zijn opleiding en studie in Leiden studeerde hij in 1608 af aan de Leidse Universiteit in de letteren en wijsbegeerte. Op advies van Scaliger studeerde hij Oosterse talen naast een curses theologie. Daarna reisde hij door Engeland, Frankrijk, Italië en Duitsland, waarbij hij relaties opbouwde met geleerden en kennis nam van hun theorieën. Na een lange afwezigheid keerde Van Erpe in 1612 terug naar Nederland. Hij werd aangesteld als professor Arabisch en andere Oosterse talen aan de universiteit van Leiden. Hij liet een drukpers neerzetten in zijn eigen huis. Lettertypen kreeg hij van zijn voorganger aan de universiteit. Bij zijn dood in 1624 was zijn drukkerij een van de meest uitgebreide voor oosterse typografie in Europa.

(English translation:)

Thomas van Erpe was a Dutch orientalist. After his education and study in Leiden, he graduated in 1608 from Leiden University in literature and philosophy. On the advice of Scaliger, he studied Oriental languages in addition to courses in theology.

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He then traveled through England, France, Italy and Germany, building relationships with scholars and learning about their theories. After a long absence, Van Erpe returned to the Netherlands in 1612. He was appointed professor of Arabic and other Oriental languages at Leiden University. He had a printing press set up in his own house. He received fonts from his predecessor at the university. At his death in 1624 his printing house was one of the most extensive for oriental typography in Europe.

Erected by Geef Straten Een Gezicht.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. In addition, it is included in the Give Streets a Face / Geef Straten Een Gezicht series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1584.

Location. 52° 21.575′ N, 4° 49.704′ E. Marker is in Amsterdam, Noord-Holland (North Holland). It is in Amsterdam Nieuw-West. Marker is at the intersection of Thomas van Erpehof and Johan Kernstraat, on the right when traveling west on Thomas van Erpehof. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Johan Kernstraat 33, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland 1065 VJ, Netherlands. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Johan Hendrik Kern (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Albert Schultens (about 120 meters away); Reinhart Dozy (about 210 meters

Thomas van Erpe Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, May 6, 2023

2. Thomas van Erpe Marker - wide view

away); Pieter Bor (about 210 meters away); Willem Moll (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Cornelis van Alkemade (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Petrus Johannes Blok (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Hendrik van Wijn (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Amsterdam.

Also see . . . Thomas van Erpe (Wikipedia).

Overview: Thomas van Erpe, also known as Thomas Erpenius (September 11, 1584 – November 13, 1624), Dutch Orientalist, was born at Gorinchem, in Holland. He was the first European to publish an accurate book of Arabic grammar.

(Submitted on May 30, 2023.)

Credits. This page was last revised on December 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2023, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 44 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 30, 2023, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.