AFRICA-GOLD COAST-MUSIC INSTRUMENTS ‘Instrumens Musicaux de la Cote dor.’ [Jacobus SCHLEY after PREVOST, 1748]

Engraving on hand laid (verge) paper.
Sheet size: 19,3 x 25 cm. Image size: 14 x 20,2 cm.

From vol. V of a Dutch ed. of Prevost’s monumental work: ‘Historische Beschryving der Resizen […]’, published in The Hague by Pieter de Hondt, 1748. Antoine Francois Prevost d’Exiles’ (or Abbe Prevost’s) multi-volume “Histoire Generale Des Voyages” (1746-1759): ultimately 17 quarto volumes recounting major voyages of discovery and descriptions of far flung parts and including around 240 maps, plans and charts of those areas. These maps, plans and charts were mostly produced by Jacques Nicolas Bellin, the influential French hydrographer. Bellin’s work spans from around 1740 to the 1770s; interestingly he signed his plates in a variety of styles – J. Bellin, N. Bellin, N.B., M.B. (Monsieur Bellin) and S.B. (Seigneur Bellin).

Made by Jacobus van der Schley after Antoine Francois Prevost. Jakob van der Schley (Amsterdam 1715-1779) was a Dutch draughtsman and engraver. He studied under Bernard Picart and became heavily influenced by his style.

Condition: Good, given age. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.

PCO-A4-13