Maritime · 17th century
€ 370
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
The print is in good condition for its age, with minor toning and light foxing typical of early hand-colored engravings. The colors remain vibrant, and the paper shows minimal wear.
The Fury of the Azores: Shipwreck Disaster at Terceira, from Linschoten's 1610 Work
This dramatic hand-colored engraving, titled 'Saevissima Tempestas ad Terceiram' (The Most Savage Storm at Terceira), vividly depicts a catastrophic shipwreck off the coast of Terceira Island in the Azores. The print dates back to the early 17th century and was published as part of Jan Huygen van Linschoten’s renowned work 'Tertia Pars Indiae Orientalis', printed in 1610.
This monumental work, a crucial part of the larger compilation known as 'Itinerario: Voyage ofte Schipvaert van Jan Huygen van Linschoten naer Oost ofte Portugaels Indien' (1596), was one of the most influential travel accounts of the Age of Exploration.
Linschoten’s travel narratives were instrumental in expanding European knowledge of Asian trade routes, maritime navigation, and the diverse cultures encountered during his journeys. As an explorer and merchant who spent years in Portuguese Asia, he meticulously documented his observations, which later served as valuable guides for Dutch and English expeditions to the East Indies. The Tertia Pars Indiae Orientalis specifically contained accounts of maritime disasters and navigational challenges, making this engraving a fitting representation of the risks of oceanic voyages during that era.
The engraving masterfully captures the fury of the storm, illustrating several ships being tossed and shattered by the relentless waves, with desperate survivors clinging to wreckage or attempting to reach the rocky shore. The scene is bustling with activity: locals are depicted trying to rescue survivors, while others survey the devastating loss. The sky is ominously dark, with swirling clouds emphasizing the merciless force of nature. Barrels and cargo drift aimlessly among the wreckage, symbolizing the immense loss of life and goods.
The Latin text beneath the image recounts the tragic event, describing how over 140 ships of the Spanish treasure fleet, returning from the New World, were caught in the tempest and destroyed. This catastrophic loss not only claimed countless lives but also sent vast quantities of precious cargo to the ocean floor. The ornate initial letter at the start of the text is meticulously decorated, adding a Renaissance flair that complements the tragic narrative.
Executed with precision, the print combines fine line engraving with hand-applied watercolor, typical of early 17th-century printmaking techniques. The careful shading and vibrant yet muted color palette enhance the sense of chaos and despair while maintaining a certain elegance characteristic of the period’s visual storytelling.
What makes this engraving particularly significant is its historical context as a part of Linschoten’s travel accounts. His works served as key resources for subsequent European expeditions, offering crucial information about sailing routes, hazards, and foreign ports. The vivid portrayal of maritime disasters like this one served both as a cautionary tale and a visual documentation of the harsh realities faced by explorers.
Condition: The print is in good condition for its age, with minor toning and light foxing typical of early hand-colored engravings. The colors remain vibrant, and the paper shows minimal wear.
Framing tips: To preserve its historical and visual impact, consider framing it in a dark wooden or ebony frame with an acid-free mat to protect the delicate paper while enhancing its dramatic presence.
