Antique Print of Palembang by Van der Aa (c.1700)

Description: Antique print titled 'La Ville de Palimbang dans L’Ile de Sumatra.' A very decorative, impressive engraving of Palembang in Sumatra. Two views on one sheet. In the upper part the overall view with a sea battle in the foreground. Below the burning city, finely engraved ships and a compass rose. The VOC decided to gain a foothold in Palembang because of the rich gold deposits and pewter mining possibilities. On the engraving, we see the small fortress of 1. Cambare, 2. Fort Matapurl. 3 Fort Bamagangian & 4. The Royal Palace. All under siege by a large number of Dutch ships, the fortifications going up in flames. Source unknown, to be determined.

Artists and Engravers: Pieter van der Aa was born 1659 in Leyden, Holland. He started his own book publishing business when he was twenty-three. Within fifty years in his business, he published a huge amount of highly decorative maps and atlases. His Nouvel Atlas was reissued by Covens & Mortier. He died 1733 in Leyden.