"Christofel Colonus", Montanus/Ogilby

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.

Crisply engraved portrait of Christopher Columbus, shown using navigational tools. The decorative framework is made up of two flanking sea monsters, while one of his ships sails in the background.

References:

Condition: A

A crisp impression with a soft crease at top right, marginal soiling, and some small chips and tears along the edges of the sheet.