Subject: St. Helena
Period: 1589 (dated)
Publication: Itinerario
Color: Hand Color
Size:
19.9 x 14.7 inches
50.5 x 37.3 cm
This elaborate profile view shows the small Atlantic island of St. Helena with Linschoten's fleet of ships in the foreground. The island was an important re-fueling stop for ships in the South Atlantic providing fresh water, fruit, and meat to the early explorers. Two large strapwork cartouches feature the Portuguese coat-of-arms and a dedication to the Fugger family of merchants and financiers. It is further embellished with a very fine compass rose that orients the view with north in the lower left corner. This is the original Linschoten engraving, not to be confused with the smaller view by De Bry.
References:
Condition: A
Issued folding, now flattened, on watermarked paper with two tiny holes at fold intersections, a few minor creases at bottom, and a professionally repaired fold separation in the top blank margin. Light toning along the top edge of the sheet.