Ethnography · 17th century
€ 230
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
for its age, with minor toning and faint text show-through on verso, consistent with period printing on laid paper. Crisp impression with strong contrasts and visible plate marks.
Conflict Between Island Natives, from Pontanus’ History of Amsterdam, 1611
This early 17th-century engraving depicts a dramatic scene of conflict between native islanders, likely drawn from the Dutch voyage narratives in Het tweede Boeck of the Historische Beschrijvinghe van Amsterdam (History of Amsterdam), published in 1611 by Johannes Isacius Pontanus. The image illustrates an episode from early Dutch expeditions to Southeast Asia, possibly referencing encounters near the Bay of Dangsongi (modern Indonesia).
The composition shows two groups of men in confrontation. On the left, a group of semi-nude figures armed with spears and clubs advance aggressively, while on the right, a smaller, unarmed group raises their hands in surrender or protest. The vegetation—unusual, bulbous plants and sparse trees—suggests a tropical setting. The detailed depiction of body movement and expressive gestures conveys tension and violence, typical of early European engravings describing first contact between Dutch explorers and local populations.
The accompanying Dutch text below the image describes events during the voyage: the anchoring of Dutch ships, their interactions with local people, and a confrontation resulting in hostility and eventual retreat. Such scenes were common in early colonial narratives, where European engravers translated written reports into vivid imagery for readers eager for accounts of distant lands and peoples.
This engraving offers a compelling insight into 17th-century European perceptions of the East Indies—blending exploration, ethnography, and mythmaking. It also reflects the growing maritime ambitions of the Dutch Republic and its encounters during the formation of the Dutch East India Company (VOC).
Condition: Good for its age, with minor toning and faint text show-through on verso, consistent with period printing on laid paper. Crisp impression with strong contrasts and visible plate marks.
Framing tips: Best displayed in a walnut or dark oak frame with an off-white or warm beige mat to complement the antique tone of the paper and emphasize the intricate linework.
Technique: Engraving
Maker: Anonymous engraver after Johannes Isacius Pontanus, Amsterdam, 1611
