An important 16th century plan of Angra

A superb map-view of the city of Angra on Terceira in the Azores, at the time one of the most important re-victualling points on the Portuguese trade route to the East Indies. The decorations include elaborate strapwork cartouches for the title, dedication, text boxes and the Portuguese and Azorean coats of arms, European shipping and a large compass rose. The plate was engraved by Baptist van Doetechum for Linschoten's 'Itinerario', a sailing manual for the East Indies trade, based on Linschoten's own experiences and secret Portuguese guides. The dissemination of this information broke the Portuguese trade monopoly trade with the Far East. Linschoten knew the Azores well: he was shipwrecked on his way home from the East and spent two years there.