Indonesia, Moluccas, Ambon – large panorama Valentijn / Ottens, 1724, Amboina

Large copper engraving, printed on two sheets that were then joined, engraved by F. Ottens. It shows a panorama from the sea of the city of Ambon. This is the rare, large original edition, not the smaller version by Van der Schley that would be published 3 decades later.

Index of the most important buildings under the image.

Published in the book by F. Valentijn: ´Oud en Nieuw Oost-Indien, containing an accurate and extensive treatise of Dutch power in those regions, (...). Second part, description of Amboina, (...), [incl.] Ambon affairs. Dordrecht, etc. J. van Braam and G. onder de Linden, 1724.´

Francois Valentijn was a prominent historian of the Dutch East India Company. He travelled to the East Indies twice and served as a Calvinist minister on Ambon between 1686 and 1694. In preparing this monumental work, he was given privileged access to the previously secret archives of the Dutch East India Company, which contained transcripts and copies of important earlier Dutch documents. travels.

Very good condition. Crisp, thick and fresh paper, clear print. Folds as published. One small tiny repaired hole with minimal impact on the image. Otherwise perfect.

Image 29x74cm, sheet 33x81cm