"Urbs Domingo in Hispaniola", 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.

A dramatic bird's-eye view of old Santo Domingo with its cathedral, the Ozama fortress and other monuments clearly identifiable. Numerous ships, both European and native, are shown in the harbor and river. Santo Domingo is the oldest European city in the Americas, having been founded in 1498 by Bartholomew Columbus. It is shown here at the height of its importance as the hub of Spanish colonial activities in the New World.

References:

Condition: B+

A dark impression on watermarked paper with faint toning and a tiny tear in bottom blank margin.