Catalog Archive
Auction 147, Lot 269

"Portus Acapulco", Montanus/Ogilby

Subject: Acapulco, Mexico

Period: 1671 (circa)

Publication: America…

Color: Hand Color

Size:
13.8 x 11.4 inches
35.1 x 29 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 attractive copper engraved view of Acapulco and its bay is a nice rendering of the town, with fortifications, outlying buildings, ships in the harbor plus others at sea as far out as the horizon. Numerous locals and Europeans are in the shadowy foreground.

References:

Condition: A

A dark impression and excellent color with wide margins and a few tiny, unobtrusive spots.

Estimate: $230 - $275

Sold for: $170

Closed on 11/20/2013

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