Details
Depicts the interior of the Aztec palace of Viztlipuztli - an Aztec idol. Viztlipuztli was a 'woodden Image like a Man upon his Head stood a Plume of feathers on his left [right] Hand held a white Shield, on which stuck five Feathers, and on the top a Laurel Bough; next the Shield lay four Arrows, pretended to be sent from Heaven behind on his Shoulders appears Wings on his feet ended in Claws, hung round about with Precious Jems. The Curtain behind which this Idol sat, was not drawn open except on Feast-Day'.
From John Ogilby's 'America: Being the Latest, and Most Accurate Description of the New World', published in London in 1671.
Ogilby's work is an English translation of Arnoldus Montanus 'Die Nieuwe en onbekende Weereld', published in Amerstdam, although greatly expanded in some instances and with new maps and views.
Laid paper. Central vertical fold as issued. A few short tears at edges of the sheet, well away from the platemark.