1599 Native Javanese Attack Dutch Ship
Ein verrahterlicher Mord/der Jauaner auff dem Schiff Hollandia. XXXI
By: Theodor de Bry
Date: 1599 (circa) Amsterdam
Dimensions: 11.75 x 8 inches (30 cm x 20.3 cm)
This interesting copperplate engraved print by Theodor de Bry was composed by him according to stories and illustrations of European expeditions and explorations that were being made at the end of the sixteenth century.
This is print XXXI in his series on the city-sultanate Bantam in Java, located across the straits from Sumatra. Here is depicted the ‘murderous’ attack of a Dutch ship by the Javanese. Interestingly, while the Dutch ship in the foreground is under attack, another two Dutch vessels with sails furled and probably anchored show no response, in fact appear abandoned.
Having started his professional career as an engraver, during the three years he lived in London de Bry became acquainted with the geographer Richard Hakluyt, whose stories of expeditions to exotic foreign lands engendered in de Bry a desire to make the discoveries known to a wider reading public. Most of his books were based on first-hand accounts by the explorers themselves.
Condition: This engraving is in B condition. There is toning, soiling and foxing, most of which is in border areas. Separations on the lower border have been repaired with archival material on the verso.
Inventory #19534
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