Antique Plan of Quiloa (Kilwa Kisiwani ) by Van Schley (1749)

Description: Antique print titled 'Plan de l'Isle et Ville de Quiloa, Grondtékening van 't Eiland en de Stad Quiloa'. This bird's-eye view show the East African island of Quiloa, now known as Kilwa Kisiwani in Tanzania. The map shows the fort, settlements, and gardens of the island. It dates to a few decades before the Arab conquest of the island, after which the French built a fort at its northern end. This print originates from 'Historische beschryving der reizen, of Nieuwe en volkoome verzameling van de aller-waardigste en zeldsaamste Zee- en Landtogten' by P. de Hondt. 

Artists and Engravers: Jakob van der Schley (1715-1779) was a Dutch draughtsman and engraver, who studied under Bernard Picart. Jacques-Nicolas Bellin (1703-1772) was a French hydrographer, geographer and member of The Philosophes. His career, spanning over 50 years, caused an enormous output in maps, particular of maritime interest.