Item Description
An exceptionally rare and original 17th-century engraving of New Amsterdam, now New York City, published by the renowned Amsterdam cartographer Carel (Carolus) Allard around 1674. Known as the “Restitutio” map, this piece commemorates the brief Dutch recapture of the city from the English in 1673 — a pivotal episode in early colonial history. This highly detailed copperplate engraving presents the region of New Netherland, including Manhattan (’t Lange Eylandt), the Hudson River valley, surrounding Native American territories, and key settlements. Most striking is the panoramic city view of New Amsterdam across the bottom, depicting Dutch merchant ships, Fort Amsterdam, traditional stepped-gable houses, windmills, and prominent civic buildings. The Latin cartouche, rich with allegorical figures — including classical deities and the Dutch Maiden — celebrates the Dutch “restoration” of the city, hence the inscription “Restitutio”. The engraving bears the imprint “Typis Caroli Allard”, confirming its original 17th-century origin. Condition: Very fine condition for its age. Printed on handmade laid paper, with period hand-coloring. Minor age-related toning, edge wear and restorations consistent with historical works on paper. Not a reproduction — this is a genuine early impression, rarely seen outside institutional collections. Rarity: Original copies of this map are extremely scarce and held in major museum and library collections, including the New York Public Library and the Rijksmuseum. Few ever reach the open market. An extraordinary opportunity for collectors of early American history, Dutch colonial artifacts, antique maps, or museum-grade engravings.
