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Rare Dutch- and English-language broadside depicting a three-mast, square-rigged ship dating to the latter half of the 17th century. Printed Jacobus Robijn, the engraving vividly illustrates a bustling maritime scene with one primary numbered vessel taking center stage. It is joined with a secondary sheet of letterpress text that provides a comprehensive guide to the ship's components and rigging.

The second half of the 17th century was a time of significant advancement in naval architecture and maritime exploration, with Amsterdam standing as one of the world's primary maritime hubs. The square-rigged ship showcased in the broadside exemplifies the nautical technology of the time, with its impressive rigging and multiple masts enabling it to undertake long voyages with substantial cargo loads.

Jacobus Robijn, the publisher noted in the text, was a well-known figure in Amsterdam, supplying navigators and explorers with accurate maps and charts, thereby facilitating maritime ventures that expanded trade routes and fostered international exchange.

The broadside offers a precise understanding of the ship's structure, each element meticulously numbered and labeled. From the 'Mizan Mast' to the 'Bowfpritt and Rigging,' the included text provides an elaborate description of the ship's components, enhancing the viewer's appreciation of its complexity. This thoroughness attests to the technical knowledge and naval expertise of the period, highlighting the rigorous attention to detail required in shipbuilding and navigation during the age of sail.

The text not only enumerates the various parts of the ship but also offers specific details such as the function of the 'Maine Horfe and Takle' or the placement of the 'Fore Leathlines.' This level of detail situates the broadside as an educational tool, serving to inform its contemporary audience about the construction and operation of large sailing vessels. For the modern observer, it provides a fascinating glimpse into the intricate world of 17th-century maritime technology and nautical culture.