Catalog Archive
Auction 146, Lot 314

"[St. Bartholomew]", Montanus/Ogilby

Subject: St. Barts

Period: 1671 (published)

Publication: America

Color: Hand Color

Size:
6.5 x 5 inches
16.5 x 12.7 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.

This lovely engraving shows the local flora and a "wild swine" on the island of St. Barts. There is English text below the engraving and on verso describing the plant and wildlife on the island. St. Barts (or Saint Barthelemy) was first colonized by the French in 1623, and is one of four Leeward Islands comprising the French West Indies. Full sheet with text measures 10.0 x 16.0".

References:

Condition: B+

Attractive color on watermarked paper with a minor damp stain in image and light creasing in bottom blank margin, far from image.

Estimate: $200 - $230

Unsold

Closed on 9/4/2013

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