Montanus' work was perhaps the greatest illustrated book on the New World produced in the seventeenth century. It contained over one hundred beautifully engraved plates, views, and maps of North and South America. The plates vividly depict forts, festivals, occupations, Dutch fleets, battles, religious rites, and customs of the native inhabitants. This important work was translated into German by Olivier Dapper, and into English by John Ogilby. Several of the plates were later acquired by Pierre Vander Aa.

Size varies slightly.

A. Christofel Colonus. Crisply engraved portrait of Christopher Columbus, shown using navigational tools. The decorative framework is made up of two flanking sea monsters, while one of his ships sails in the background. Condition: Watermarked paper with very light toning and a couple of tiny, unobtrusive spots.

B. Ferdinand Magellanus. A strongly engraved portrait of the first circumnavigator, enclosed in an elaborately engraved cartouche-like frame. Condition: There are a few small spots and a chip at bottom right that has been replaced with old paper.

C. Athabaliba Ultimus Rex Peruanorum. A detailed portrait of the Inca ruler Atahualpa, who was captured and killed by Francisco Pizarro during the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. Atahualpa is shown in full war dress with a depiction of Cusco behind him, surrounded by a panther headdress, spears and arrows, and the chains that shackled him during his capture. Condition: Very light toning and a couple of tiny spots.

References:

Condition: B+

Fine, dark impressions. See description above for additional details.