Dutch Fleet at St. Helena, 1601, Paper

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Title: Dutch Fleet at St. Helena (Calatog), Early Voyage Scene, Linschoten c.1601 : Rare early 17th-century Dutch engraving from Itinerario … Read more Title: Dutch Fleet at St. Helena (Calatog), Early Voyage Scene, Linschoten c.1601 : Rare early 17th-century Dutch engraving from Itinerario by Jan Huygen van Linschoten, depicting Dutch sailors at the island of St. Helena, known here as Calatog. The scene shows fishermen hauling nets, carpenters building boats, and barrels being prepared for fresh water and provisions. Around them are tropical elements – palm trees, turtles, birds, and huts – capturing the exotic character of the South Atlantic islands that served as crucial stopovers for ships sailing between Europe and Asia. Signed in the plate “Beniamin W. caelator,” identifying Benjamin Wright as engraver. Wright’s engravings for Linschoten’s Itinerario are among the earliest visual records of Dutch navigation and exploration. This engraving appeared in the first Dutch edition published in Amsterdam by Cornelis Claesz around 1598–1601. Linschoten’s work provided indispensable navigational data and ethnographic observations that guided the first voyages of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). A vivid and historically significant scene capturing the world of early Dutch exploration and seafaring. Condition: Fair. Laid paper with age toning, some edge wear, and light creasing; strong impression with visible plate mark. Framing tips: Float-mounted in a light wood or walnut frame with an ivory mat. For study display, a double-glass frame allows visibility of text on the reverse. Technique: Copperplate engraving with letterpress text on laid paper Maker: Engraved by Benjamin Wright after Jan Huygen van Linschoten, Amsterdam, c.1601 Technique: Copperplate engraving with letterpress text on laid paper Maker: After Jan Huygen van Linschoten, Amsterdam, c.1601 See less