Antique Print with views of Sierra Leone by Kip (1732)

Description: A four panel copperplate engraving: a) 'A Prospect of the Road in the Bay of Sierra Liona', b) 'The high Lands of Sierra Liona, on the South, the Cape Tagrain at E1/4 NE, about 8 Leagues', c) 'Negros going aboard ships with provisions in their canoes', and d) vignette of life in a local village. The Portuguese originally gave Sierra Leone its name, because of the shape of the mountains behind the river estuary.  Despite treacherous rocks and shoals at the river mouth, this was in fact the best natural harbour on an otherwise surf-bound coast. This print originates from Vol. V. Awnsham & John Churchill’s; ‘A Collection of Voyages & Travels’ 1732 Edition

Artists and Engravers: Born in the Netherlands, Johannes Kip settled in England around 1690. He was a topographical engraver most famous for his depictions of country houses in the book; ‘Britannia Illustrata’ on which he collaborated with Leonard Knyff (1707). Although this is his most well known work, he was a prolific artist who worked on many other important projects and commissions, including the illustrations for Churchill’s ‘Voyages’ featured here.