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Rare and Unusually Early View of Gibraltar.
Engraved by Abraham Hogenberg.
Magnificent battle plan of Gibraltar showing the legendary 1607 engagement between the Dutch and Spanish fleets to the west of the city, published immediately after the battle.
The view shows the naval engagement of April 1607 and was published in May of that year. The major events on land and at sea are shown, with the central feature being the exploding Spanish vice admiral's ship. The battle was a success for the Dutch, who had engaged with the Spanish fleet in an effort to stop the harassment of Dutch merchant vessels. However, the Dutch admiral Jacob Hemiskerck was killed during the engagement, rendering him a war hero. He is here remembered with a short eight-line poem next to the key.
The focus on the city is notable, with individual buildings shown and canons firing. The presence of a windmill is not a Dutch fantasy, but likely the progenitor of the name of Windmill Hill, although slightly misplaced. An inset map in the upper right shows the greater Straits region.
This view was engraved and printed by Abraham Hogenberg, one of six children from Frans Hogenberg's second marriage. He took control of the family workshop before the age of twenty.
Rarity
Pre-1650 views of Gibraltar are rare. This appears to be the earliest view or plan focused on the city that we have yet handled.
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