"Angrae Urbis Tercerae que Insularum quas Azores Vocant Maxima et Copioso Glasti Proventu Ditissa Accurata cum Arce Delineatio", Merian, Matthaus
Subject: Terciera, Azores
Period: 1638 (circa)
Publication: Theatri Europaei
Color: Black & White
Size:
12.8 x 8.1 inches
32.5 x 20.6 cm
A detailed view of the island of Terciera in the Azores, prominently featuring the town of Angra and the fort of Sao Sebastiao. From their discovery by the Portuguese in the 1400s, the Azores were an important re-supply point for ships sailing across the Atlantic and to Asia via the Cape. This bird's-eye view is based upon Theodore de Bry's earlier work, which itself is based upon Linschoten's view. Numerous ships fill the harbor around the town, and above the island floats a banner-style title cartouche and two regional coats of arms.
References: Shirley (BL Atlases) G.MERI-23a #86.
Condition: A
A crisp impression on watermarked paper. There is some minor toning, light soiling, and a couple of repaired edge tears, all of which are confined to the blank margins. Remnants of hinge tape on verso from a previous framing.
