Catalog Archive
Auction 186, Lot 383

"Sinus Omnium Sanctoru", Merian, Matthaus

Subject: Todos os Santos Bay, Brazil

Period: 1640 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
14.8 x 11.6 inches
37.6 x 29.5 cm
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This impressive copper engraving covers Todos os Santos Bay (All Saints Bay) in northeastern Brazil. The map depicts a large fleet of Dutch ships entering the bay and locates several battle sites. The map illustrates the region during the time when the Dutch were attempting to gain control of the Portuguese colonies and lucrative sugar trade in Brazil. In 1624 the Dutch captured and sacked the Salvador da Bahia, and held it along with other northeast ports until it was retaken by a Spanish-Portuguese fleet. The city then played a strategically vital role in the Portuguese-Brazilian resistance against the Dutch in the 1630s. At bottom left, there is large inset plan of Civitas S. Salvatoris (San Salvador) with a lettered key identifying important locations. Both the map and inset map are adorned with ribbon-style title cartouches and compass roses.

References:

Condition: B+

A sharp impression with minor offsetting and printer's ink residue. There are some small holes along the centerfold that have been closed with archival materials on verso, with some minor facsimile work.

Estimate: $275 - $350

Unsold

Closed on 2/9/2022

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