Workshop of Jacob van Meurs, “De Stadt St. Martin”, c. 1671

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