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Description

This hand-colored engraving, titled "A View of the NW Side of Saypan, One of the Ladrones or Marian Islands," is from the official account of George Anson’s circumnavigation (1740–1744).

The view depicts a tranquil, distant view of the island of Saipan, part of the Mariana Islands in the Pacific Ocean. The scene captures the island’s rolling, verdant hills rising gently from the sea, with a low, undulating shoreline that conveys the lush and remote nature of the location.  

To the right of the image, a sailing ship, presumably from Anson's squadron, provides a sense of scale and emphasizes the exploratory context of the voyage. The ship’s presence underscores the vastness of the Pacific and the challenges faced by 18th-century navigators.  

The Ladrones (now known as the Mariana Islands) were a critical point of reference during Anson's journey, as they offered a rare opportunity for resupply in the remote Pacific.