Catalog Archive
Auction 143, Lot 380

"Mauritiopolis", Montanus, Arnoldus

Subject: Mauritsstaad, Brazil

Period: 1671 (circa)

Publication: De Nieuwe en Onbekende Weereld

Color: Hand Color

Size:
21.4 x 10.4 inches
54.4 x 26.4 cm
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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.

Panorama of Mauritsstaad with a lively scene in the foreground of European merchants trading with the native people. Saints and putti hold aloft the title banner. Mauritsstaad, now part of Recife, was once the capital of Dutch Brazil and an extremely important center of commerce.

References:

Condition: B+

Issued folding, now pressed with a couple of minor spots and professional repairs to several short fold separations.

Estimate: $350 - $450

Sold for: $250

Closed on 2/13/2013

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