"Arx Principis Guiljelmi", Aa, Pieter van der

Montanus' work was perhaps the greatest illustrated book on the New World produced in the seventeenth century. It contained over one hundred beautifully engraved plates, views, and maps of North and South America. The plates vividly depict forts, festivals, occupations, Dutch fleets, battles, religious rites, and customs of the native inhabitants. This important work was translated into German by Olivier Dapper, and into English by John Ogilby. Several of the plates were later acquired by Pierre Vander Aa.

Impressive view of the Dutch Fort William on the Rio Afagados with its central church and strong palisades. Olindia is located on a hill in the background. Fort Prince William was part of the Dutch defences of Pernambuco. This detailed engraving was inspired by a 1639 painting by celebrated Dutch painter Frans Post. It originally appeared in Arnoldus Montanus’ De Nieuwe en onbekende Weereld: of Beschryving van America in 1671. Pieter van der Aa acquired the plate and republished it in his monumental Galerie, which was issued in an edition of only 100 copies. This edition can be identified by the thick, wide margined paper on which it is printed.

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Condition: A

Wide, clean margins with a minute hole near centerfold that is only visible when held up to light.