1600 Island of St. Helena
By: Jan Huyghen van Linschoten
Date: 1600 (circa) Amsterdam
Dimensions: 8.5 x 11.25 inches (21.6 x 28.5 cm)
This fascinating engraving is taken from the book Discours of voyages into ye Easte & West Indies, published by Van Linschoten following his sojourn in Goa, the administrative centre of Portugal’s widespread colonial territory in the East. A variety of similar engravings are to be found. The edition we offer differs slightly in its decorative and textual content.
Depicted are six Portuguese ships anchored in the harbor of the island of St. Helena in 1589, along with one ship at full sail on the horizon, appearing from behind the island on the left. The print shows the island’s rugged terrain, sparse vegetation, and the settlement which was extant in the late 16th century. A number of people are denoted in various places, including some in row boats, some lookouts on the island itself, and another few obviously awaiting the landing of a row boat in a small cove near the harbor.
As stated, this edition of the engraving varies slightly from others. Though lacking a third cartouche which embellishes some editions, our offering features an ornamental heraldic device surrounded by a strapwork frame, and a title cartouche with a similar elaborate frame describing the scene in both Latin and German. A beautiful compass rose embellishes the scene in the lower left.
Condition: This engraving on beautiful hand laid, watermarked paper is in A condition. Uneven edge of the lower margin.
Inventory #12867
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