The Old Print Shop

Portus Acapulco.

  • ARTIST: Arnoldus Montanus

  • PUBLISHER: Published by Jacob van Meurs, Amsterdam.

  • MEDIUM: Copper plate engraving,

    DATE: 1671.

  • EDITION SIZE: Image size 10 3/4 x 13 7/8" (27.2 x 35.4 cm).

  • DESCRIPTION: A fine view of Acapulco from Montanus' "De Nieuwe en Onbekende Weereld: of Beschryving van America." This impressive view depicts the thriving trade port of Acapulco at the time of the Spanish conquest. In the foreground, Spanish merchants and native Indians are shown bringing goods from the interior to the awaiting vessels in the harbor. Acapulco was one of the key stopping ports for Spanish galleons sailing across the Pacific on the spice route to Manila. Carrying silver and gold from Mexico and Peru, the ships would trade their rich cargos for jade, porcelain, silks, and spices from China before they attempted the treacherous journey back to Acapulco and then home to Spain.

  • ADDITIONAL INFO:

  • CONDITION: Good condition. Black and white.

  • REFERENCE: