Catalog Archive
Auction 160, Lot 76

"[Lot of 45 - Plates from Ogilby & Montanus's America]", Montanus/Ogilby

Subject: Western Hemisphere - America

Period: 1671 (circa)

Publication: America

Color: Black & White

Size:
10.8 x 16.5 inches
27.4 x 41.9 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.

This lot includes 45 engravings on 44 sheets of text from John Ogilby's America, the English translation of Arnoldus Montanus' Die Nieuwe en Onbekende Weereld. The engravings depict Native Indians, battle scenes, mythical creatures, encounters with Europeans, native dances and ceremonies, cannibalism, and much more. Each sheet includes an engraving at top and text at bottom. The accompanying text is as interesting as the illustrations.

References:

Condition: A

Excellent impressions on watermarked paper with minor toning. There is some marginal soiling and stains and small chips along the edges of several sheets.

Estimate: $800 - $950

Sold for: $600

Closed on 11/16/2016

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