Catalog Archive
Auction 162, Lot 338

"Portus Acapulco", Montanus, Arnoldus

Subject: Acapulco, Mexico

Period: 1671 (circa)

Publication: De Nieuwe en Onbekende Weereld

Color: Hand Color

Size:
13.9 x 11.4 inches
35.3 x 29 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 attractive copper engraved view of Acapulco and its bay is a nice rendering of the town, with fortifications, outlying buildings, ships in the harbor plus others at sea as far out as the horizon. Numerous locals and Europeans are in the shadowy foreground.

References:

Condition: A

A crisp impression on paper with a jester watermark, very minor soiling, and narrow margins, as issued.

Estimate: $200 - $230

Sold for: $150

Closed on 4/26/2017

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