Original Antique Woodcut of Peru and Quito from Gottfried's America, c.1655
Description: An original antique woodcut titled "Peru", published in the celebrated travel collection *Newe Welt und Americanische Historien* by Johann Ludwig Gottfried. The print was published in Frankfurt am Main during the mid-seventeenth century.
The illustration depicts an imagined view of the Kingdom of Peru, showing Indigenous figures in a tropical landscape beside a river or waterfall. One figure gestures across the water while others gather along the banks, reflecting the European interpretation of the peoples and landscapes of South America during the early colonial period.
Beneath the illustration is a substantial block of German letterpress describing Quito, the surrounding region, and aspects of life in the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru. References are made to the city of Quito, its churches, monasteries, commerce, the royal storehouses, and the famed "House of the Sun," providing a fascinating insight into seventeenth-century European knowledge of Peru.
Johann Ludwig Gottfried (c.1584–1633) was a German historian whose monumental chronicle of the Americas became one of the most influential illustrated works on the New World. Published by the heirs of Matthäus Merian in Frankfurt, the work is renowned for its finely executed woodcuts depicting the geography, peoples, cities and customs of North and South America.
Seventeenth-century prints from Gottfried's *America* are increasingly sought after for their historical importance and decorative appeal. The combination of an engraved illustration and contemporary letterpress makes this sheet an excellent example of early travel literature relating to Peru.
This is an original antique woodcut printed in the seventeenth century. It is not a modern reproduction.
Maker: Johann Ludwig Gottfried
Publication: Newe Welt und Americanische Historien
Publisher: Heirs of Matthäus Merian
Title: Peru
Place of publication: Frankfurt am Main
Date: circa 1655
Technique: Woodcut with letterpress on laid paper
Origin: Germany
Condition: Good condition considering its age. General age-related toning, occasional light foxing, original folds as issued and minor handling wear. Please study the image carefully.
The framed and interior visuals are provided for imagination and presentation purposes only. The original antique print is sold unframed.
Keywords
Peru, Quito, Ecuador, South America, Viceroyalty of Peru, Johann Ludwig Gottfried, Matthäus Merian, Frankfurt, German travel book, America, seventeenth century, 1655, woodcut, original antique print, colonial Peru, Indigenous people, travel literature, early exploration, historical illustration, antique book illustration, laid paper, rare print, New World, colonial history.
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