"Siara", 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.

Beautiful engraving of the village. Finely engraved view of Ceara with its high walls and surrounding village. Natives are shown in the foreground loading boats and herding cattle.

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Condition: A

A dark impression on watermarked paper with superb color and a hint of toning along the centerfold.