This lot of fine copper engravings comes from La Galerie Agreable du Monde, the monumental Dutch work by one of the most prolific Dutch publishers. The first engraving depicts a skirmish between European explorers and a few natives at Puerto Deseado in southern Argentina. While the fighting unfolds, several explorers club the sea lions lounging nearby. The second engraving shows ships in the choppy waters off the shore of Santiago de Cuba. Van der Aa's massive work was issued in 66 parts containing over 3000 maps, town plans, and topographic prints. It was the largest picture and map book ever published. Many of the engravings were printed from multiple plates and enclosed in elaborate, picture-frame borders. The views from La Galerie Agreable du Monde are rarely seen on the market, as only 100 copies of the 66 volumes of this incredible atlas were produced. All edges gilt. Size varies slightly.

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Condition: A

Both are nice impressions with wide margins. The first sheet is watermarked and has some minor toning. The second has a bit of minor soiling and a centerfold separation at bottom, well away from image.