Explore the Credibility of this artwork.
Based on the ethnic clientele of Goa, it is plausible that Linschoten could have seen all the figures, fauna, and flora that appear in the plates. However, based on the diaries of Linschoten and the text accompanying the plates, it appears he did not visit all the locations of the objects in the prints. The captions of Itinerario makes it seem like Linschoten saw more of Asia than he really did. He may have spent time conversing with the diverse folk at the market and not only traded for goods but also knowledge of the geography and ethnography around Goa. There are also stereotypical elements that appear in the prints. For example, the plate that depicts the king of Cochin on an elephant appears to be Linschoten/Doetecum's play on common compositions used to depict Indian individuals in the art of 16th century Northwestern Europe.The composition of the plates calls into question their accuracy and credibility. It is unlikely, based on his lack of formal art training, that Linschoten could create a sketch with a composition so balanced. Additionally, the Market of Goa, the huts in the background do not resemble traditional Asian huts. Figures and structures were likely added by Doetecum to construct a composition that was consistent with 16th century Dutch landscape art; Doetecum did collaborate with printer Hieronymus Cock on landscape backgrounds.
plate Goa Hieronymus Cock