Beijing Engraving by Jakob van der Schley Rendered by Johan Niehof, 18th Century
Engraving
Steel engraving of city view of Beijing by Jakob van der Schley. 18th century. From a rendering done by Johan Nieuhof, the Dutch traveler who famously crossed from Canton to Peking in 1655-1657. Measures 8 x 6.5 inches. Illustration shows a canal on the edge of the city's walls with crop fields across the water, a variety of trees and the local dwellings as Niehoff drew them. Boats fill the water with fishermen working onboard. Text in banner above image reads "Jo Si Wo Entre Tyen Tsing Wey Et Peking." Jakob van der Schley was a Dutch artist who engraved the frontispieces for Prevost's Histoire Generales Des Voyages published in the Hague in 1747. As western explorers like Nieuhof reached China during the 17th century, they sent back reports that captivated the European imagination and were picked up in secondhand accounts by writers like Prevost who had interest if not direct experience. A strange blend of truth and mythology, mistranslation and exaggeration, these accounts and accompanying illustrations provide insight into the Age of Discovery's reach as well as its limitations. Slight toning to borders does not affect image. Creased where folded. Very light foxing does not affect image. Overall very good condition.Item #18293
Price: $185.00
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