[Praia, Cape Verde Islands]

Antique uncoloured copper engraving with German letterpress text, c1655

An early engraved view of Praia, Santiago, Cape Verde, showing the Dutch attack on Fort Praya during the Mahu–de Cordes expedition, 3 September 1598. The scene records a sharp landing operation rather than a formal siege: Dutch ships lie in the harbour while Captain Beuning’s men advance up the steep, narrow approach to the Portuguese fort, whose defenders fire from the stone breastwork before abandoning the position. The accompanying German text adds vivid detail, describing the seizure of wine, bread, oil and water from ships in the anchorage, the Dutch demand for fresh provisions for their sick, the march uphill with drums, trumpets and colours, and the later appearance of Portuguese horsemen around the hills. A compact but lively record of Atlantic raiding, provisioning and imperial friction in the Cape Verde islands.

CAPTION BELOW PICTURE: '[Praia, Cape Verde Islands]'

DATE PRINTED: c.1655    

IMAGE SIZE: Approx 31.0 x 20.5cm, 12 x 8 inches (Large)

ARTIST/CARTOGRAPHER/ENGRAVER: Matthäus Merian, engraver; after Johann Theodor de Bry

PROVENANCE: "Newe Welt und Americanische Historien: Inhaltende warhafftige und vollkommene Beschreibungen…", Frankfurt: Matthäus Merian

TYPE: Antique uncoloured copper engraving with German letterpress text

VERSO: German-language letterpress text continues on the reverse side

CONDITION: Good; suitable for framing. Light show-through of text from reverse side as usual. Please check the scan for any blemishes prior to making your purchase. Virtually all antiquarian maps and prints are subject to some normal aging due to use and time which is not obtrusive unless otherwise stated. I offer a no questions asked return policy - see below.

AUTHENTICITY:  This is an authentic historic print, published at the date stated above. I do not offer reproductions. It is not a modern copy. The term 'original' when applied to a print means that it was printed at the first or original date of publication; it does not imply that the item is unique. 'Print' means any image created by applying an inked block to paper or card under pressure by any method including wood engraving, steel engraving, copperplate, wood cut and lithography.

REMARKS: FRANCE: Gravures et Cartes anciennes. DEUTSCHLAND: Alte Lankarten und Stadt ansichten. ITALIA: Stampe e Mappe antiche. ESPAÑA: Mapas antiquos y impresiones antiguas. E and OE. Force Majeure. English law shall apply.

RETURNS POLICY:   I offer a no questions returns policy. All I ask is that you pay return shipping and mail back to me in original condition, suitably packed & insured, within 14 days of receipt.