Subject: Curacao
Period: 1644 (published)
Publication: Historie ofte iaerlijck verhael…
Color: Hand Color
Size:
13.3 x 10.5 inches
33.8 x 26.7 cm
This is a markedly rare map of the island of Curacao, the historical nexus of the Netherlands Antilles. The island, with its large and protected natural port, was the major center for commerce of the Dutch West India Company. As a director of the newly formed Dutch West India Company, De Laet had access to much of the cartographic work and manuscript material done at the time, including the work of Hessel Gerritsz, the official cartographer of the Company. This rare map has not been listed in any dealer or auction catalogs that we can find.
References:
Condition: A
Dark impression with some printer's ink residue in image. There is a tiny edge tear in the bottom left corner, well away from the map.