Attributed to the workshop of Jacob van Meurs
(c. 1617–1679)
“De Stadt St. Martin” (The City of St. Martin) / “Urbs Martini”, c. 1671
Overview:
Saint
Martin is situated in the north-eastern Caribbean, approximately 300 km east of
Puerto Rico. Famously the smallest inhabited island in the world divided
between two nations (the Dutch Sint Maarten and the French Saint-Martin).
This exceptional engraving captures the island during one of its most volatile
historical periods.
Historical Background:
The scene depicts a pivotal moment in Caribbean colonial history: the 1644
Siege of Saint Martin. The composition illustrates a powerful Dutch naval
squadron attempting to recapture the island from Spanish forces.
The assault was led by the legendary Peter Stuyvesant—the future
Director-General of New Amsterdam (modern-day New York City). This engagement
is of immense historical significance as the site where Stuyvesant was struck
by a Spanish cannonball, resulting in the loss of his right leg and the
eventual retreat of the Dutch fleet.
Compositional Details
In the distance, the rugged topography of the island is visible,
featuring the burning Spanish fortifications of Fort Amsterdam
(identified in the legend as “A”) and a smaller, active citadel on the headland
(marked “B”) with cannons blazing.
The foreground showcases Dutch warships in strategic formation within
the Great Bay. Of particular interest to naval historians is the absence of the
“GWC” (Geoctroyeerde Westindische Compagnie) monogram on the Dutch tricolour
flags. This detail signifies that the fleet consisted of official national
naval vessels rather than private merchant ships of the Dutch West India
Company.
Technical Details & Condition:
Etching on fine laid paper, professionally conserved with a washi
paper support sheet.
This
plate originates from John Ogilby’s (1600–1676) monumental 1671 work, America:
Being the Latest, and Most Accurate Description of the New World. While the
work was based on the research of Arnoldus Montanus, Ogilby’s English
edition is prized for its superior production quality.
Numbered
“6” in both lower corners and blank on the reverse, indicating it was issued as
a standalone plate or part of a specialised pictorial suite rather than the
standard text-bound edition.
The impression is richly inked and well-printed—a lifetime impression
showing no signs of wear to the copper plate. Aside from minor surface marks,
the sheet is in excellent condition with no significant stains or structural
issues.
Dimensions:
• Sheet: 32.3 x 38 cm
• Platemark: 28.3 x 37.2 cm
• Image borderline: 27.7 x 36.6 cm
In-Plate
Lettering:
•
Title Banderole: “DE STADT / ST. MARTIN”
• Upper Right Legend: “URBS MARTINI / A. .Arx. … S. Statio navium ante arcem.”
(A 19-point alphabetical key).
• Plate Number: “6” (Inscribed in both lower corners).
References:
•
Archive.org (David Rumsey Map Collection): https://archive.org/details/dr_view-de-stadt-st-martin-urbs-martini-12241076
• Rijksmuseum: https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200434869
• British Museum: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1861-1109-466
Price
& Shipping:
AU$524 (approx. US$377.71 /
€322.19 / £278.22), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties and
taxes (if applicable) are the buyer’s responsibility.
To
acquire this exceptionally rare etching of significant historical importance,
please contact oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com.
I am happy to provide a secure PayPal invoice to ensure a smooth and protected
transaction.
This print has been sold
