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Antique Print-TITLE-ENGRAVING-EAST-INDIES-VOC-Van Buysen-Melder-Valentijn-1724

Name: Antique Print-TITLE-ENGRAVING-EAST-INDIES-VOC-Van Buysen-Melder-Valentijn-1724
SKU: PICTURA-06501
Availability: InStock

€110.00

‘BESCHRYVING VAN OUD EN NIEUW OOST-INDIEN DOOR FRANCOIS VALENTYN.’

– Allegorical frontispiece engraving for Fran?ois Valentijn’s monumental work, “Oud en Nieuw Oost-Indi?n” (1724-1726). This intricate copperplate engraving presents mythological and world figures, VOC (Dutch East India Company) symbols, cherubs, and a crowned female figure on a globe, symbolizing Dutch colonial influence. Ships, exotic animals, and native peoples in the background emphasize Dutch overseas expansion. Created by Andries van Buysen after Gerard Melder, this engraving served as the title page for one of the most detailed historical accounts of Dutch colonial rule in the East Indies (Indonesia, Ceylon, Malacca, etc.). Valentijn (1666-1727), a Dutch minister, naturalist, and historian, spent years in Amboina and other VOC territories and compiled vast archives, maps, and illustrations for his work. The included Uitlegging der Titelprent (Explanation of the Title Print) by Joannes van Braam describes the allegorical elements, reinforcing themes of Dutch power, trade, and knowledge.

In stock

SKU: PICTURA-06501 Categories: Asia, Frontispieces-Title Pages Tag: History

Description

Medium: Copperplate engraving and etching on hand laid (verge) paper.

Sheet size: 31.5 x 30 cm (12.4 x 11.81 inch). Image size: 18.4 x 28.2 cm. (7.24 x 11.1 inch).

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

VOC, DUTCH EAST INDIA COMPANY, COLONIAL HISTORY, FRAN?OIS VALENTIJN, AMBOINA, 18TH-CENTURY BOOKS, ALLEGORICAL ENGRAVINGS, EAST INDIES, INDONESIA, HISTORICAL FRONTISPIECE, MARITIME HISTORY, DUTCH CARTOGRAPHY, EXOTIC TRADE, JOANNES VAN BRAAM | PCO-A8-01

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

From Oud en Nieuw Oost-Indien, by Fran?ois Valentijn (Dordrecht/Amsterdam: J. van Braam & G. Onder de Linden, 1724-1726).

Biography engraver: Andries van Buysen (1698-1747) was a Dutch engraver, etcher, and draughtsman, active in Amsterdam. He was the father of the engraver Andreas Casparus van Buysen and likely related to Jan van Buysen. His work features book illustrations, title engravings, and historical prints, including contributions to Valentijn’s Oud en Nieuw Oost-Indi?n.

Biography artist: Gerard Melder (1693-1754) was an 18th-century Dutch miniature and watercolor painter, known for his detailed copies of Dutch Masters and Italian influences. He worked in Amsterdam and later Utrecht, producing allegorical and topographical works, including designs for engravings such as this frontispiece.