Catalog Archive
Auction 148, Lot 739

"Obsidio Urbis et Castelli Mozambiquensis", Bry, Theodore de

Subject: Fort Sao Sebastiao, Island of Mozambique

Period: 1612 (circa)

Publication: India Orientalis

Color: Hand Color

Size:
6.5 x 5.6 inches
16.5 x 14.2 cm
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This dramatic engraving depicts the Dutch siege of Fort Sao Sebastiao on the Island of Mozambique in 1608. The Portuguese began construction of the fort in the mid-16th century, and it was repeatedly attacked by the Dutch. Although the Portuguese maintained control over the fort, the majority of their belongings on the island were robbed or destroyed. The engraving is based on the accounts of Johann Verken, a German in the employ of the VOC who witnessed the siege. Verken joined a fleet traveling to the Moluccas commanded by Pieter Willemszoon Verhoeff, who attacked the fort in July and August 1608. Verken's account was published in Volume IX of De Bry's India Orientalis. On a sheet of Latin text measuring 7.8 x 12.0".

References:

Condition: A

A nice impression with a few small, archivally repaired tears confined to blank margins.

Estimate: $200 - $240

Sold for: $150

Closed on 2/19/2014

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