{"product_id":"columbo-churchill-1732","title":"Plan of the City and Castle of Columbo - Valentijn 1724","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eTitle:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"7\"\u003ePlan of the City and Castle of Columbo\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"46\"\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e François Valentijn (1666–1727) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"85\"\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e Dordrecht \u0026amp; Amsterdam, 1724–1726 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"129\"\u003eTechnique:\u003c\/b\u003e Copperplate engraving with professional hand-coloring\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDescription:\u003c\/b\u003e A superb 18th-century bird's-eye view and plan of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"63\"\u003eColombo\u003c\/b\u003e, the principal port and administrative center of Dutch Ceylon. Published by François Valentijn, this engraving offers a fascinating look at the fortifications and maritime power of the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"256\"\u003eVOC (Dutch East India Company)\u003c\/b\u003e at the height of their influence on the island.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003eThe plan illustrates the city's unique defensive architecture, divided into the \"Castle\" (the heavily fortified European sector) and the adjacent \"Old Town.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eKey Features:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eNaval Activity:\u003c\/b\u003e The foreground is dominated by several Dutch East Indiamen (merchant ships) in the harbor, some depicted firing celebratory or signal salutes, emphasizing the port's military and commercial vitality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFortifications:\u003c\/b\u003e The intricate star-shaped bastions and defensive walls are meticulously rendered, showing the strategic importance of Colombo in controlling the spice trade (particularly cinnamon).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eTopographical Details:\u003c\/b\u003e The surrounding landscape features lush greenery and palm trees, with several small figures of animals—including elephants—scattered in the rural areas, a charming nod to Ceylon’s natural history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCompass Rose:\u003c\/b\u003e An elegant, colorful compass rose is centered at the top, used by Valentijn to orient the viewer to the harbor's layout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Treasures of the Orient","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43763133055041,"sku":null,"price":1500.0,"currency_code":"SGD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/7125\/5105\/files\/85974421-0429-4C88-92F1-DEC9F653306C.jpg?v=1775896414","url":"https:\/\/treasuresoftheorient.com\/products\/columbo-churchill-1732","provider":"Treasures of the Orient","version":"1.0","type":"link"}