Brazil, Porto Calvo, Alagoas, Montanus / Van Meurs, 1671, Obsidio et Expugnatio Portus Calvi.

Early view of the Portuguese fort of Porto Calvo in the state of Alagoas in the Northeast of Brazil. A small index in the top right names the most important places.

Porto Calvo in the Alagoas region, controlled the passage of the Manguaba River, and was at the frontline of Portuguese-Dutch hostilities in the early 1630's. Shown here as a simple wooden fort surrounded by a few small cottages, it was the site of countless battles between the Dutch and Portuguese armies in the struggle to control Brazil.

This detailed engraving is inspired by a painting by Post executed in 1639. This view appeared in John Ogilby’s seminal atlas "America: Being the Latest, and Most Accurate Description of the New World," published in London in 1671. Ogilby’s work is an English translation of Arnoldus Montanus’ "Die Nieuwe en onbekende Weereld. . . ," which was produced in Amsterdam earlier the same year. Considered the first encyclopedias of the Americas, both texts are richly illustrated with maps, views and portraits.

In the late 1630’s Holland attempted to reassert its claim over Brazil by establishing a series of forts along the coastline. It is one of the best documented colonies because of the expedition led by Prince Maurits of Nassau, who attempted to assemble an intellectual court in the New World. He brought with him a group of highly accomplished artists, mapmakers, and scientists to record the mysteries of Brazil. They included the celebrated painter Frans Post, and the astronomer George Markgraf, who produced the first serious study of the southern sky. Post painted a wealth of images of the Brazilian landscape and the surrounding vegetation and wildlife. His works are some of the earliest European paintings of Brazil and were eagerly reproduced in print by Dutch engravers.

Very good condition. Some age browning and minimal repairs in the margin, not affecting the image. Otherwise excellent.

Image 27x33cm, page 31x37,5cm