Ambon en enkele van haar inwoners, 1599 1600s - 1610s

This anonymous engraving from the 17th century depicts the island of Ambon and its inhabitants. The artwork's detailed depiction of the island's landscape, including ships, mountains and figures, provides a glimpse into the cultural context of Ambon during the Dutch colonial period. The engraving's inscription "Ambon en enkele van haar inwoners" translates to "Ambon and some of its inhabitants," further emphasizing the artwork's focus on portraying local life. The artwork highlights the relationship between the Dutch and the indigenous population of Ambon, and is an intriguing visual record of a historical moment.