Subject: Hougly, India
Period: 1726 (circa)
Publication: Oud en Nieuw Oost-Indien
Color: Hand Color
Size:
14.3 x 10.9 inches
36.3 x 27.7 cm
This striking bird's eye plan depicts a settlement along the Hooghly River, near Kokata in eastern India. The settlement served as a port for the Dutch East India Company, whose ships are shown anchored in the river. Oriented with north to the right, the map identifies numerous buildings and important sites with a lettered key. Valentyn was a prominent historian of the Dutch East India Company who is best known for Oud en Nieuw Oost Indien, his vast illustrated account of the Dutch trading empire in Asia. He twice traveled to the East Indies and served as Calvinist minister to Ambon between 1686 and 1694. In preparing this monumental work, he was given privileged access to the previously secret archives of the VOC, containing transcripts and copies of important earlier Dutch voyages.
References: Shirley (BL Atlases) G.VALN-1a #47.
Condition: A
A fine impression on watermarked paper with superb color and a couple of tiny, insignificant spots.