The Netherlands & Belgium · 17th century
€ 340
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Fair to Good. General age-related toning, with light wear, typical for the period. Early hand colouring. Verso blank.
Antique print from Jan Janszoon Orlers’ Den Nassauschen Lauren-Crans, published in Leiden in 1610 and engraved by H. van Haestens. The sheet contains four detailed early 17th century views connected to the Dutch voyages and conquests in the East Indies and Indian Ocean.
The top left view shows the island of Mauritius with Dutch colonists fishing and building boats. Of special importance is the depiction of the dodo bird together with giant tortoises, both unique to the island.
The top right view depicts the Banda Islands of Gunnanappi (Genung Api), Labetacq and Ortatan. Villages, nutmeg groves, a volcanic eruption and Dutch ships are shown. These islands were the centre of the lucrative nutmeg trade and a focus of conflict between the Dutch, English and Portuguese.
The bottom left view represents the city of Ternate, labelled Ciuitas Gammelamme. A royal procession led by the King of Ternate is seen, with the palace (Palatio) and a mosque (Mesquita) in the background, highlighting the political and religious structures of the Moluccas.
The bottom right view illustrates the Javanese city of Tuban, labelled Tubate. The King of Tuban rides in procession on an elephant, surrounded by courtiers and attendants. Numerous elephant enclosures and the royal court are also depicted.
This sheet combines ethnographic, geographic and natural historical information and is one of the earliest European engravings to show these regions. It is of special interest to collectors of Dutch colonial history, natural history, and VOC related prints.
Condition:
Fair to Good. General age-related toning, with light wear, typical for the period. Early hand colouring. Verso blank.
Framing tips:
Mount in ivory or cream to complement the aged paper. A dark wood or ebony frame brings out the historic atmosphere, while a gilt frame adds decorative impact. Double matting with a thin green or red line will echo the original colours.
Technique: Engraving with original hand colour
Maker: Jan Janszoon Orlers and H. van Haestens, Leiden, 1610
