This original copper engraving hails from Arnoldus Montanus' seminal work, "Die Unbekannte Neue Welt oder Beschreibung des Welt-teils Amerika und des Sud-Landes," a comprehensive depiction of the Americas published in 1673.
It presents a vivid scene set in colonial New Mexico, showcasing a moment of interaction—possibly a ceremonial or everyday event—between indigenous people and European settlers or explorers. The detailed attire and adornments of the figures suggest a narrative rich in cultural exchange and complexity. This piece is not only a reflection of the artistic style and engraving techniques of the 17th century but also serves as a historical document capturing the early encounters between different worlds.
Published in Amsterdam by Jacob Meurs, this rare German edition offers a unique glimpse into the perceptions and imaginations of European society regarding the New World during the Age of Exploration.
Bartele Gallery. Original antique maps, sea charts, engravings and works on paper. This is a plain text rendering of a page that is otherwise built in the browser. The catalogue index is at https://www.bartele.net/catalogue and machine readable notes are at https://www.bartele.net/llms.txt.