Acquired From: Leen Helmink
Colouring: Coloured
Condition: Very Good
Confirmed: No
Description: In 1583 Jan Huygen van Linschoten, a Dutch explorer, travelled to Goa, India where he served as secretary to João Vicente da Fonseca, the newly appointed Portuguese Archbishop. At the time, Goa was the capital of the Estado da Índia, the administrative term for Portugals vast territories across the Indian Ocean. Linschotens position placed him at the centre of the Portuguese empire.nDuring his stay in Goa, Linschoten gathered a wealth of information on India, the Spice Islands, China, and Japan, while also meticulously documenting the sea routes of the East Indies. After returning to the Dutch Republic in 1592, he prepared his observations and notes for publication with the Amsterdam publisher Cornelis Claesz.nIn 1596, Linschoten's Itinerario, Voyage ofte Schipvaert naer Oost ofte Portugaels Indien (Itinerary, Voyage or Navigation to the East or Portuguese Indies) was published in Amsterdam by Claesz (the English followed in 1598, View Record (#356)). A feature of the book is its collection of thirty-six engraving, drawn by Linschoten and engraved by Joannes and Baptista à Doetechum. These engravings depict the people, customs, and products of India, with a particular focus on Goa and its surrounding regions. nThe Itinerario also included a world map by Petrus Plancius (View Record (#71)), first published in 1594, and five regional maps. Among these was map of Asia and the Indian Ocean (View Record (#254)), and a detailed map of Southeast Asia (View Record (#74)), this map of South and West Africa, extending into parts of the Atlantic, a map of East Africa (View Record (#278)) and a map of South and Central America (View Record (#279)) designed by Arnold Florent van Langren and engraved by his brother Henricus in 1595. nThis map focuses on the coastal regions of Guinea, the Kingdom of Kongo, and Angola, extending beyond the Cape of Good Hope. It highlights the western coast of Africa, which was crucial for European maritime navigation and trade during the sixteenth century.nTwo inset profiles are included at the bottom of the map. On the left is Ascension Island, depicted with its distinctive jagged peaks. A ship rests at anchor, with others visible on the horizon. On the right is Saint Helena, where a small boat filled with men approaches a tree-lined landing site. Both islands served as crucial resupply points for ships navigating the African maritime route.
Engraver: Langren, Henricus Florent van
First published: Itinerario: Voyage ofte schipvaert Amsterdam: Cornelis Claesz,. 1596
Image Size (cm): 53.5×40
Mapmaker: Linschoten, Jan Huygen van (1563-1611)
Notes: Purchase details
Primary Category: Africa
Rarity: R2 Very rare – one or two copies appear on the market
Sheet size (cm): 57×41.5
Technique: Copper Engraving
This state: 1596
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