Bilder François Valentijn (1666–1727) – Map of the Cape of Good Hope and Table Mountain – South Africa – Engraving (1726)

Beskrivning

"Verklaring" presents a majestic panoramic view and ground plan of Cape Town and its dramatic natural backdrop. The work centers on the pentagonal Castle of Good Hope situated on the coastline of Table Bay, with the Dutch East India Company gardens and the early settlement grid extending inland. The composition is dominated by the looming presence of Table Mountain, flanked by Lion's Head and Devil's Peak. This engraving is from the monumental eight-volume work Oud en Nieuw Oost-Indiën, published in Dordrecht and Amsterdam. The plate includes a detailed alphabetical key in the lower right corner, identifying significant architectural landmarks and geographical features of this critical maritime supply station.

François Valentijn was a Dutch minister and historian who spent significant time in the East Indies in the service of the Dutch East India Company. He is best known for his comprehensive encyclopedia of the region, which he compiled using a vast array of personal observations and official documents. Valentijn had unique access to the confidential archives and map collections of the company, allowing him to publish highly accurate and rare visual records of the Dutch colonial empire. His work provided the European public with its first detailed look at the geography, culture, and colonial infrastructure of the East. His legacy is defined by this massive intellectual contribution, which remains a primary source for the study of eighteenth-century global history.

Artist or Maker:
François Valentijn.

Dimensions:
Approximately 44 cm x 37 cm.

Medium:
Engraving.

Date:
1726.

Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.