Antique Woodcut of Peru and Quito from Gottfrieds America, 1655

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Original Antique Woodcut of Peru and Quito from Gottfried's America, c.1655 : An original antique woodcut titled "Peru", published in … Read more Original Antique Woodcut of Peru and Quito from Gottfried's America, c.1655 : An original antique woodcut titled "Peru", published in the celebrated travel collection *Newe Welt und Americanische Historien* by Johann Ludwig Gottfried. The print was published in Frankfurt am Main during the mid-seventeenth century. The illustration depicts an imagined view of the Kingdom of Peru, showing Indigenous figures in a tropical landscape beside a river or waterfall. One figure gestures across the water while others gather along the banks, reflecting the European interpretation of the peoples and landscapes of South America during the early colonial period. Beneath the illustration is a substantial block of German letterpress describing Quito, the surrounding region, and aspects of life in the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru. References are made to the city of Quito, its churches, monasteries, commerce, the royal storehouses, and the famed "House of the Sun," providing a fascinating insight into seventeenth-century European knowledge of Peru. Publisher: Heirs of Matthäus Merian Title: Peru Place of publication: Frankfurt am Main Date: circa 1655 Technique: Woodcut with letterpress on laid paper Origin: Germany Condition: Good condition considering its age. General age-related toning, occasional light foxing, original folds as issued and minor handling wear. Please study the image carefully. The framed and interior visuals are provided for imagination and presentation purposes only. The original antique print is sold unframed. See less