"Insula D. Helenae…", Linschoten, Jan Juygen van

This elaborate profile view shows the small Atlantic island of St. Helena with Linschoten's fleet of ships in the foreground. The island was an important re-fueling stop for ships in the South Atlantic providing fresh water, fruit and meat to the early explorers. Two large strapwork cartouches feature the Portuguese coat-of-arms and a dedication to the Fugger family of merchants and financiers. It is further embellished with a very fine compass rose that orients the view with north in the lower left corner. This is the original Linschoten engraving, not to be confused with the smaller view by De Bry.

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Condition: B+

Issued folding, now flattened and professionally backed with light Japanese tissue to repair a couple minor binding tears (now only visible on verso). The view has been remargined to accommodate framing.