Indonesia, Moluccas, Ambon, De Renneville, 1703, La Rade d´Annabon

Early 18th century view of Ambon, Indonesia

View from the sea of Ambon. Long before the Dutch arrived, the Portuguese settled on Ambon. The first Portuguese stronghold on the bay of Ambon was built in 1576. Around 1580 this structure was replaced by a better fort with four bastions, closer to the shore. It was named Forte de Nossa Senhora da Anunciada in Portuguese and was locally known as Kota Laha. On February 23 1605 the Portuguese surrendered this fort to VOC Admiral Steven van der Hagen without a shot being fired. In gratitude for what seemed to have been a god-given victory, the fort was renamed Victoria by the Dutch. It became the seat of the first Dutch territory in the Indies, the Government of Amboina.

Image 13,5x16cm, page 16x18.5cm

The engraving was published in Constantin Renneville's ´Recueil des voyages qui ont servi a l'etablissement et aux progres de la Compagnie des Indes Orientales, ... tome 5´, first published in 1703.

Very good condition. One small brown (rust) spot. Vertical folds as published.