"Pagus Hispanorum in Florida", Montanus, Arnoldus

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.

An interesting view of St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States and the northernmost bastion of the Spanish empire in America. The prosperous city, fort and harbor are bustling with activity. Ships fill the harbor and the foreground is crowded with scenes of indigenous occupation and European colonists. The mountains in the background are fictional, but otherwise the engraving presents a fascinating view of the important city. This view is attributed to Gerrit van Schagen, a Dutch cartographer.

References: Deak #50.

Condition: A+