"[Indigenous Animals of New Netherlands]", Montanus, Arnoldus

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 striking and fanciful engraving depicts the indigenous animals of that allegedly populated the New Netherland colonial province. Among the beasts included are a unicorn, moose, eagle, and beaver. There appears to be discord in the animal kingdom, as all the creatures are attacking one another. On a sheet of Dutch text measuring 7.9 x 12.3".

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Condition: A

A crisp impression with a small spot in the engraved image. There is minor toning and dampstaining confined to the margins.