This copperplate engraving, titled Ioppe (Jaffa), originates from Cornelis de Bruyn's celebrated travel account Reizen van Cornelis de Bruyn door de vermaardste deelen van Klein Asia (Voyages of Cornelis de Bruyn through the Most Famous Parts of Asia Minor), first published in 1698.
The view captures the historic port city of Jaffa, rendered with meticulous detail and presenting a picturesque combination of maritime activity and urban architecture. The engraving shows Jaffa as seen from the sea, with several sailing ships and smaller vessels populating the foreground. The undulating waves suggest active maritime commerce, a reflection of the port's significance in the Eastern Mediterranean. The fortified walls and structures of the city rise prominently against the skyline, crowned by a castle (marked with the letter "C") perched on an elevated hill. A mosque with a minaret and domed rooftops is depicted, highlighting Jaffa's Islamic architectural influence during the Ottoman period.
Jaffa also known as Yafo, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited port cities in the world, has held strategic importance across millennia. Jaffa, is a historic port city located in present-day Israel. It is situated on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, south of the modern city of Tel Aviv. By the late 17th century, when de Bruyn documented his travels, Jaffa was part of the Ottoman Empire, functioning as a key entry point for pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem. Its rich history, dating back to biblical times, made it a favored subject for European travellers.
Jaffa has a rich and diverse history, dating back thousands of years. It has been mentioned in ancient Egyptian texts, biblical narratives, and classical sources. Over the centuries, it has been ruled by various empires, including the Egyptians, Israelites, Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, Mamluks, Ottomans, and the British during the Mandate period.
Cornelis de Bruyn , 1652-c.1726 was a Dutch portrait painter and traveler.
De Bruyn painted for some years in Italy, where he was known, in Rome, as Adonis. Bruyn is remembered chiefly for the records of his extensive travels in Egypt, Persia, India, and other countries, illustrated with his own designs.