"Alagoa ad Austrum", Montanus, Arnoldus

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.

A fascinating view of a fort in the Brazilian state of Alagoa with native fishermen in the foreground and a religious procession in the background. Decorative title banner fills the sky.

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Condition: B+

A dark impression on watermarked paper with superb color, a couple of printer's creases, and two small rust spots near the center of the image.