Catalog Archive
Auction 150, Lot 379

"Potosi", Montanus, Arnoldus

Subject: Potosi, Bolivia

Period: 1671 (circa)

Publication: Die Nieuwe en Onbekende Weereld

Color: Black & White

Size:
13.8 x 10.8 inches
35.1 x 27.4 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.

Great view of the famous mountain of silver, mined extensively by the Spanish in the 17th century. The view shows the mountain surrounded by windmills and the bustling village.

References:

Condition: A

A fine, crisp impression on watermarked paper with wider than average margins. There are expert repairs to a centerfold separation that enters just 1/4" into image at bottom and a few small chips in bottom blank margin.

Estimate: $180 - $210

Sold for: $120

Closed on 9/17/2014

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