Early 17th Century Prints

Title: "Aromatic Treasures of the Indies: The Enchanting Scents of De Bry’s Exotic Collection" Description: This intricate 1601 engraving from Theodore de Bry’s collection showcases...

Samoyed Archers Encountering the Dutch Fleet, from Pontanus’ Rerum et urbis Amstelodamensium historia, 1611 This fascinating early 17th-century engraving depicts two Samoyed hunters...

These images are rare but fine examples of original 17th-century European engravings, displaying characteristics that might point to an Italian origin based on stylistic analysis. Th...

Antique map titled 'Descriptio Zeilan, et Maldivarum Inss'. Rare, original antique miniature map of Ceylon/Sri Lanka and the Maldives. This map originate...

Title: Dutch Fleet at St. Helena (Calatog), Early Voyage Scene, Linschoten c.1601 Description: Rare early 17th-century Dutch engraving from Itinerario by Jan Huygen van Linschoten, ...

Title: Earliest Depiction of Bali, Dutch Engraving of the King of Bali c.1601 Description: Exceptionally rare early 17th-century Dutch engraving showing the King of Bali in a ceremo...

Rare antique miniature map titled 'Iava Maior'. This map shows the northern coastline of Java (Indonesia) with numerous place names, but the southern coa...

"Botanical Illustration of Saint Lawrence's Seeds and Plants by De Bry, 1601" Description: This engraving from Theodore de Bry's collection, produced in 1601, features a botanical study of various seeds and plants native to the island of Saint Lawrence, also known as Madagascar. Each plant is meticulously rendered with Latin letters corresponding to a legend that identifies them. This careful study was part of De Bry’s extensive work to document and illustrate the flora and fauna encountered by European explorers during their voyages to exotic lands. The illustration captures the diverse plant life from the island, from the bulbous shapes of the roots in the foreground to the towering forms of the trees in the background. The detail in the image reflects the European fascination with new and foreign natural history, a subject that was growing in popularity and significance during the Age of Exploration. De Bry's works served not only as scientific records but also as means to captivate and educate his contemporaries about the wonders of the natural world. Translation of the Latin text: "There is a certain tree, its summit dividing into the smallest of branches. From this, the Chaonas nuts are collected. B. The House of...

Antique miniature map titled 'Illyricum'. Original small map of Illyricum. The Roman province of Illyricum stretched from the Drilon River (the Drin, in...

Title: "Cornucopia of India: Pineapples, Betel, Date Palms, Soursop, and Mangoes in De Bry's 1601 Engraving" Description: This 1601 engraving by Theodore de Bry displays a rich arra...

Title: "Verdant Wonders: Exotic Trees and Spices of India in De Bry's 1601 Illustration" Description: This striking 1601 engraving by Theodore de Bry, titled "IDEA LANTOR, ASSA, PIM...

Title: "Exotic Flora of the Indies: The Cajus and Jambos Trees in De Bry's 1601 Engraving" Description: This detailed engraving by Theodore de Bry, dating back to 1601, beautifully illustrates two tropical trees, the Cajus and the Jambos, both renowned for their delectable fruits in the regions of India. The Cajus tree, likely referring to what is known today as the cashew, is depicted with its distinctive fruit that dangles below the swollen pedicel, commonly called the cashew apple. The Jambos tree, with its lush, dense foliage and abundant fruiting, could be related to the rose apple, known for its fragrant, rose-scented fruit. Included in the scene is a depiction of the Indian Crocus, adding a touch of the diverse understory vegetation of the tropical climate. The image conveys a peaceful coexistence with nature, as indicated by a modest dwelling in the background, suggesting the integration of these trees into the daily lives of the local inhabitants for both nourishment and commerce. The text is in Latin, and here is the English translation: "In this picture, two trees are shown, each of which bears the most excellent and noble fruit. The best of these is called the Jambos, native to the region, which the inhabitants call Cayos. On this tree, nothing of note is bestowed. Moreover, this also represents a marvelous spectacle, in which the slow-growing cane bamboo surrounds itself. Finally, the Indian Crocus has been added, which blooms with its native flower; which is widespread throughout all of India." De Bry's engravings were pivotal in bringing the natural wealth of the New World and the East Indies to the European imagination. His work not only served as an artistic endeavor but also as an educational tool that fed the European appetite for knowledge about the vast diversity of the world's flora and fauna. This engraving, with its precision and attention to botanical detail, remains a significant historical record of the natural world as seen through the lens of the early modern European...

Antique map titled 'Picardiae Belgicae regionis descriptio'. Original antique map of the region of Picardy, France. Superb example of the decorative style of Ortelius and filled ...

Antique print depicting two horses near the Louvre, France. Also depicted are a group of men, including Mr. LeGrand. This print originates from 'L'Instruction du Roy en l'Exercice de...

Attractive and early map of the area around Venice, Italy. With South-Tirol in the North, areas of Krain (Slovenia), Croatia, Ferrara, Modena and Piacenza. In the east with areas aro...

Antique print titled 'Provincie Pegu incola (..) - Incola ex Insulis Moluco (..) - Penequais familiae (..)'. Old print showing various figures including a man from Pegu, a man fr...

Antique map titled 'Territorio di Pavia, Lodi, Novarra, Tortona, Alessandria e altri vicini dello Stato di Milano'. Original old map of the region of Pavia, Lodi, Novara, Tortona and...

The antique print titled 'Retibus aut iaculis capitar sic sepe Palumbe' is a fascinating piece from the early 17th century, part of the renowned 104-print series "Venationes Ferarum, Avium, Piscium" designed by Joannes Stradanus and engraved by Philip Galle around 1615. This series is celebrated for its detailed depiction of various hunting scenes. **Key Aspects of the Print:** 1. **Scene Depiction**: The print vividly portrays the practice of catching wild doves. It features a hunter selling doves from a basket on the side of his donkey, capturing a moment typical of rural life and hunting practices of the time. 2. **Hunting Technique**: The method of catching doves using large nets in the trees is illustrated, showcasing a historical hunting technique. This detail provides insight into the methods and tools used in bird hunting in the early 17th century. 3. **Artistic Style**: The print reflects the artistic style of Joannes Stradanus, a Flemish artist known for his dynamic and detailed illustrations. Stradanus's work often depicted scenes of hunting, agriculture, and daily life, capturing the spirit of the Renaissance. 4. **Engraving by Philip Galle**: Philip Galle, a renowned engraver, was known for his skillful execution and contribution to the spread of Renaissance art through printed media. His collaboration with Stradanus resulted in high-quality and artistically significant prints. 5. **Cultural and Historical Significance**: This print is valuable for its portrayal of hunting practices and rural life in the early 17th century. It serves as a window into the societal norms, livelihoods, and traditions of the time. 6. **Part of a Larger Series**: Being part of "Venationes Ferarum, Avium, Piscium," this print is a piece of a larger collection that aimed to document various forms of hunting, fishing, and bird catching. The series is significant for its comprehensive portrayal of these activities. 7. **Educational Value**: For historians and art enthusiasts, this print offers educational insights into the techniques of Renaissance printmaking, as well as the socio-cultural aspects of hunting and trade in early modern Europe. The 'Retibus aut iaculis capitar sic sepe Palumbe' print is not only an antique hunting print...

Antique portrait titled 'Lodovicus D.G. (..)'. Portrait of Louis II, King of Hungary, Croatia and Bohemia. This print originates from 'Tooneel der keysere...

Description: Antique map titled 'Typus Frisie Orientalis a Dullarto (..)'. One of the most decorative maps of East Frisia and its important shipping center of Emden and the Watten Is...

A 17th century hand-colored map of North & South America entitled "Americae Descriptio" by the cartographer Johannes Jansson, published in Jansson's Atlas Minor in Amsterdam in 1628....

Antique miniature map titled 'Turcicum Imperium'. Rare miniature map of the Turkish Empire. This map originates from 'Tabularum Geographicarum Contractarum Libri septem (..)' by P. B...

Antique print titled 'Provincie Pegu incola (..) - Incola ex Insulis Moluco (..) - Penequais familiae (..)'. Old print showing various figures including a man from Pegu, a man from the Moluccan islands, Penequais Indians and inhabitants of S. Thomas. Illustration from an edition of Linschoten's Itinerario. This work informed Europeans of the 16th century Portuguese trade and navigation in southern Asia.

Two original antique maps on one sheet titled 'Basiliensis Territorii Descriptio Nova [with] Circulus sive Liga Sueviae'. The first centers on Basel, Switzerland, located on the Rhine River...

Antique portrait titled 'Ferdinando Alvares a Toledo (..)'. Old portrait of Fernando Alvarez de Toledo y Pimentel or Ferdinandus Toletanus Dux Albanus (1507 - 1582), known as the Grand Duke of Alba...

Antique map titled 'Argentoratensis agri descriptio'. Original antique map of the Rhine, both south and north of Strasbourg, based on Daniel Specklin's three-sheet map of the Elz...

Antique map titled 'Staveren'. Old map of the city of Stavoren, Friesland. This map originates from 'Rerum Frisicarum Historia' by U. Emmius. Artists and Engravers: Nicolaes ...

Antique portrait of William of Orange I. With text in oval 'tranquillus in undis saevis'. Latin text below: 'Guihelmus D:G: Princeps Arausionensum; comes Nassavia, Cattimelibocii, Vianda, Dietzia, Linga, Buyra Leerdami; etc. Marchio Vera et Flissinga; dominus et baro Breda, Diest, Grimbergia, Arlay, Noseretti, Castelbellin; etc. vice comes hereditarius Antverpia et Bisancia Gubernator generalis Brabantia Hollandia Zelandia Frisia Ultrajecti Arcdithalassus maris inferioris Germania: quam celeberimi Pr: effigiem a Cornelio Vischero ad visum depictam et Guilismo Jacobi Delphio coelo hac forma expressam dedicat consecratq ipse sculptor DD: principibus Mauritio et Henrico filijs paternarum virtutum heredibus. Cum privilegio illus tr: DD : Ordinum gener. ad annos octo An. Dom'. William the Silent (24 April 1533 – 10 July 1584), also known as William the Taciturn or, more commonly in the Netherlands, William of Orange, was the main leader of the Dutch Revolt against the Spanish Habsburgs that set off the Eighty Years' War (1568–1648) and resulted in the formal independence of the United Provinces in 1581. Born into the House of Nassau, he became Prince of Orange in 1544 and is thereby the founder of the Orange-Nassau branch and the ancestor of the monarchy of the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, he is also known as Father of the Fatherland (Pater Patriae). A wealthy nobleman, William originally served the Habsburgs as a member of the court of Margaret of Parma, governor of the Spanish Netherlands. Unhappy with the centralisation of political power away from the local estates and with the Spanish persecution of Dutch Protestants, William joined the Dutch uprising and turned against his former masters. The most influential and politically capable of the rebels, he led the Dutch to several successes in the fight against the Spanish. Declared an outlaw by the Spanish king...

One leaf with an engraving on each site and text in old Dutch. One side shows the War Council of the locals in Bantam and the other side show some vegetables traders of Bantam. B...

Insula Kilduyn. Orig. copper-engraving after details from J. H. van Linschoten's map taken from his account of the three expeditions undertaken by Willem Barents in 1594, in an attem...

Antique miniature map titled 'Iava Maior'. Rare miniature map of Java, Indonesia. This map originates from 'Tabularum Geographicarum Contractarum Libri s...

Antique miniature map titled 'Nova Guinea et Ins. Salomonis'. Rare miniature map of New Guinea (Solomon Islands). This map originates from 'Tabularum Geo...

Antique map titled 'Poictou'. Original antique map of the region of Poitou, a former province of west-central France whose capital city was Poitiers. Published by A. Ortelius, circa ...

Beautiful bird's eye-view plan of the town of Duinkerken. From Ludovico Guicciardini.'s description of the Netherlands 'Beschrijvinghe van alle de Nederlanden anderssins ghenoemt Ned...

The ruins of the Roman fortress Brittenburg near Katwijk, The Netherlands. Made by 'Ludovico Guicciardini' after an anonymous artist. Lodovico Guicciardini (19 August 1521-22 March 1...

John Parkinson was the last of the great English herbalists and one of the first of the great English botanists. Here the pair of prints show mosses and lichen and the other of ferns. From: Paradisi in sole Paradisus Terrestris: or a garden of all sorts of pleasant flowers...

These images are rare but fine examples of original 17th-century European engravings, displaying characteristics that might point to an Italian origin based on stylistic analysis. Th...

These images are rare but fine examples of original 17th-century European engravings, displaying characteristics that might point to an Italian origin based on stylistic analysis. Th...

Title: "Treasures of the Tropics: Lac, Lancas, and Fagaras in De Bry's 1601 Engraving" Description: In this detailed 1601 engraving by Theodore de Bry, a variety of tropical produce...

Antique map titled 'Mansfeldiae Comitatus Descriptio'. Original antique map of the region of Mansfeld, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. Shows the area between Halle a. d. Saale, Aschersleben,...

Antique map titled 'Caletensium et Bononiensium Ditionis Accurata Delinatio [on sheet with] Veromanduorum Eorumque Confinium Exactissima Discriptio'. Two maps on a folio sheet. Calentensium covers the coastline between Calais and Estaples based in part on a four-sheet map by Nicolas de Nicolay...

Antique map titled 'Tabula Asiae'. Two maps of Asia on one sheet, recto and verso. The recto features an interesting map of India, Bangladesh and the Ganges River. On the verso, ...

Antique map titled 'Worcum'. This print depicts the city of Workum (Friesland, The Netherlands). With German captions. This print originates from 'Rerum Frisicarum Historia' publishe...

Antique print, titled: 'Frisiae Occidentalis.' Handsome map of the Dutch Provinces of Friesland and Groningen. Embellished with strapwork title-car...

Antique map titled 'Eboracum, Lincolnia, Derbia, Staffordia, Notinghamia, Lecestria, Rutlandia et Norfolcia'. Decorative early map of the northeast of England, comprising the cou...

Two rare old miniature copper-engravings one one leaf. One showing the first arrival of the first Dutch in Indonesia, the so-called 'Houtman expedition' and on the reverse Portugese welcoming them with gifts. The First Dutch Expedition to Indonesia was an expedition that took place from 1595 to 1597. It was instrumental in the opening up of the Indonesian spice trade...

Antique map titled 'Eboracum Lincolnia, Derbia, Staffordia, Notinghamia, Lecestria, Rutlandia, et Norfolcia'. Decorative early map of the northeast of England, comprising the countie...

Plan of Brielle, Briel, Den Briel in the Province of Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands, Holland. This map originates from the 1625 edition of 'Discrittione di tutti i Paesi Bassi', by L....

An early hand-colored map of Britain's Hampshire county, published in the 1607 edition of William Camden's great historical description of the British Isles, "Britannia". This map was drawn by cartographer John Norden (c. 1547-1625) and engraved by William Hole (active 1607-1624) and William Kip...

This antique portrait engraving of Philip of Hohenlohe-Neuenstein, created by the renowned engraver Emanuel van Meteren in 1618, is a remarkable piece of historical artwork. Van Mete...