Indonesia, Moluccas Valentijn / Ottens, 1724, De Vesting Beverwyk op het Eiland Noessa-Laot, met de Dorpen Sila en Leynitoe / De Fortres Duurstede op het Eiland Honimoa / Haroeko, en de Vesting Zeelandia

Very large copper engraving (33x63cm) showing three sea views and a schematic map of various VOC forts/trading posts in the Moluccas. The engraving depicts the smaller islands of Pulau Saparua, Nusa Laut, and Pulau Haruku in the Moluccas, immediately east of Ambon and south of Seram.

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.´ Engraved by Ottens.

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.

Excellent condition. Crisp, fresh paper, clear print. Central folds as published.

Image 29,5x57cm, sheet 33x63cm