Original Engraving of Tobago, West Indies, Caribbean by John Thomson 1816

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Original Engraving of Tobago, West Indies, Caribbean by John Thomson 1816

About the Item

Discover Tobago in 1816: Original Engraving by John Thomson This captivating original engraving, created by John Thomson in 1816, unveils a vivid portrayal of Tobago, an island nestled in the West Indies of the Caribbean. Offering a glimpse into the island's landscape and intricate coastal features during the early 19th century, this map is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts and cartography aficionados. This authentic piece provides an immersive look at Tobago's geography, settlements, and maritime surroundings, encapsulating the era's cartographic precision. Thomson's skillful craftsmanship and attention to detail shine through, presenting an invaluable snapshot of Tobago's historical geography. The engraving's authenticity as an artifact from 1816 adds a layer of historical significance, showcasing the island's past through the lens of cartography. Whether for collectors, historians, or those drawn to the allure of the Caribbean, this original engraving serves as a tangible connection to Tobago's rich heritage and geographical evolution. Embrace the essence of Tobago's past with this remarkable engraving, an esteemed piece of cartographic history. Tobago's colonial history is a tapestry woven with the influences of multiple European powers and the struggles for dominance over this Caribbean island. Spanning centuries, its story involves colonization, conquests, changing allegiances, and the exploitation of its resources. ### Indigenous Roots: Before European arrival, Tobago was inhabited by indigenous people, including the Kalinago (Caribs) and the Arawak. These communities lived off the land, engaging in agriculture and fishing, while also facing conflicts among themselves and with other tribes. ### European Encounters: The arrival of European explorers in the late 15th century altered Tobago's fate. Spanish navigators, including Christopher Columbus, touched its shores during the late 15th century. However, it wasn't until the early 17th century that sustained European interest in the island began. ### Dutch Colonization: In the early 17th century, the Dutch established the first European settlement on Tobago. They viewed it as strategically important for its proximity to South America and as a potential trade outpost. However, conflicts with the indigenous population and other European powers hampered their efforts to establish firm control. ### Contest for Control: Throughout the 17th century, Tobago became a prize fiercely contested among European powers. The island changed hands multiple times between the Dutch, the English, and the Courlanders (from present-day Latvia), each attempting to assert dominance and exploit the island's resources, including its fertile land for sugar cultivation and its strategic position for trade. ### British Rule: By the late 18th century, the British solidified their control over Tobago. They formally acquired the island through various treaties, and by the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1814, Tobago was confirmed as a British possession under the Treaty of Paris. ### Plantation Economy and Slavery: Under British rule, Tobago, like many other Caribbean islands, became part of the plantation economy. Sugar, cotton, and indigo plantations flourished, driving the demand for enslaved Africans to provide labor. The cruel system of slavery became deeply entrenched, shaping the island's social, economic, and cultural landscapes. ### Emancipation and Post-Slavery Era: The abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1834 brought significant changes to Tobago. The emancipation led to the decline of the plantation economy as freed individuals sought new opportunities. Tobago's economy diversified with small-scale agriculture, fishing, and cocoa cultivation becoming prominent. ### Consolidation and Modernization: During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Tobago remained under British colonial rule but experienced challenges. Natural disasters, economic fluctuations, and changing global dynamics affected the island's prosperity. Efforts were made to modernize infrastructure, including roads, schools, and healthcare, yet disparities persisted between Tobago and Trinidad, which were administratively linked. ### Independence and Contemporary Times: In 1962, Trinidad and Tobago gained independence from British rule and became a republic in 1976. Tobago retains a degree of autonomy within the nation, with its own government and a focus on tourism, fisheries, and agriculture. Efforts to develop its economy and preserve its natural beauty continue amid a quest for sustainable growth and cultural preservation. Tobago's colonial history epitomizes the struggles and complexities inherent in the European conquest of the Caribbean, leaving behind a legacy that intertwines indigenous heritage, colonial exploitation, and the resilience of its people in shaping its modern identity.

Dimensions:
Height: 11.03 in (28 cm)Width: 13 in (33 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
Materials and Techniques:
Paper,Engraved
Period:
Early 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1816
Condition:
Repaired: Tape on the reverse to strengthen additional paper and to extend two sides. Fair/Good. Left side, partly into the image, shows a discolouring of the paper. Some soiling and minor offset. Please study the image carefully.
Seller Location:
Langweer, NL
Reference Number:
Seller: BG-13618-121stDibs: LU3054337581892