"Arx Nassovii", 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.

This fine copper engraving depicts the scene of a battle off the coast of Pernambuco on the east coast of Brazil during the Dutch and Portuguese conflict to retain ownership of the area. Fort Nassau was named after Count Mauritius de Nassau, a German serving the Dutch King who was appointed Governor of the territory. Published by Jacob van Meurs (1619-1680) in Amsterdam.

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Condition: B+

Watermarked paper with light, even toning and some offsetting.