Maps

Antique map titled 'Nova Totius Germaniae Descriptio'. Uncommon map of the German Empire including the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Bohemia,...

The map of Batavia (modern-day Jakarta) from 1681, attributed to Frederick de Wit holds significant historical importance for several reasons: Historical Context 1. Colonial Era: This map dates back to the Dutch colonial era when Batavia served as the administrative and commercial hub of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). The VOC was a powerful trading entity that played a crucial role in the global spice trade and colonization in Southeast Asia. 2. Strategic Importance: Batavia was strategically located on the northwestern coast of Java, providing the Dutch with a critical base for their maritime operations. The city became the center of Dutch political and military control in the region. Cartographic Significance 1. Detailed Urban Layout: The map meticulously details the layout of Batavia, including its fortifications, canals, streets, and significant buildings. This level of detail provides insights into the urban planning and architectural styles of the period. 2. Military Engineering: The fortifications shown on the map illustrate the advanced military engineering techniques used by the Dutch to protect their valuable colony. The walls, bastions, and moats indicate the strategic considerations taken to defend against potential invasions. 3. Maritime Activity: The depiction of ships in the harbor highlights Batavia's role as a major maritime center. The VOC's fleets were essential for trade routes connecting Europe, Africa, and Asia, making Batavia a crucial node in global commerce. Artistic and Cultural Value 1. Artistic Elements: The decorative elements, such as the lion holding a shield and the intricate cartouches, reflect the artistic trends of Dutch Golden Age cartography. These embellishments were not only informative but also served to display the cartographer's skill and the map's prestige. 2. Cultural Exchange: Maps like this one provide evidence of cultural exchange between the Dutch and the indigenous populations of Java. The blending of Dutch and local influences can be seen in various aspects of the map and the architecture of the city. Rarity and Preservation 1. Rarity: Maps from the 17th century, especially those in good condition, are relatively rare and highly valued by collectors and historians. Each map provides a unique snapshot of historical geography and urban development. 2. Preservation of History: This map serves as a historical document, preserving knowledge about Batavia's cityscape, infrastructure, and colonial governance. It helps historians and scholars understand the socio-economic and political dynamics of the period. Conclusion The map of Batavia from 1681 is special due to its detailed depiction of one of the most important colonial cities in Southeast Asia during the Dutch Golden Age. It reflects the strategic, economic, and cultural significance of Batavia, serving as a valuable resource for understanding the history of Dutch colonialism and its global impact. The map's artistry and precision make it an important artifact in the history of cartography. --------------- The map is an original and historical map of Batavia (present-day Jakarta) on the island of Java, dated 1681. There are several details to consider when evaluating its origins and possible authorship: 1. **Style and Detail**: The intricate details and style are reminiscent of maps created by Frederick de Wit, a prominent Dutch cartographer and engraver of the 17th century. He was known for his detailed city maps and sea charts. 2. **Lack of Signature**: The absence of "F. de Wit, Excudit" could indicate either an omission or a different engraver. However, it is essential to note that some maps from that period were reproduced or copied by other engravers and cartographers. This was not uncommon, as map-making was a collaborative effort, and copies of popular maps were frequently made. 3. **Map Characteristics**: - The depiction of ships and the detailed fortifications are typical of Dutch cartography in the late 17th century. - The decorative elements, such as the lion holding a shield, are also characteristic of Dutch map engravers. 4. **Other Possible Engravers**: While Frederick de Wit is a strong candidate, other notable Dutch engravers from that period include Joan Blaeu and Willem Janszoon Blaeu. They also produced highly detailed maps and could potentially be the creators or inspirers of this map. To determine the precise authorship, you might consider: - **Comparing** this map with other confirmed works of Frederick de Wit and his contemporaries to identify stylistic similarities and differences. - **Historical Records**: Consulting historical records or publications related to Dutch cartography in the 17th century might provide more context or even direct references to this particular map. If you have access to additional details or higher-resolution images of specific sections, it might help further pinpoint the map's origin and authorship. ------------- Frederick de Wit (1629–1706) was a prominent Dutch cartographer, engraver, and publisher known for his detailed and decorative maps, atlases, and globes. He played a significant role in the Dutch Golden Age of cartography, contributing to the wealth of geographic knowledge and artistic achievement during this period. Here are key aspects of his life and work: ### Biography - **Early Life**: Frederick de Wit was born in Gouda, Netherlands, in 1629. Little is known about his early years, but he moved to Amsterdam, the epicenter of Dutch cartography, in the mid-17th century. - **Career Beginnings**: De Wit began his career as an engraver and publisher, initially producing maps that were reissues of earlier works by other cartographers, such as Joan Blaeu and Willem Janszoon Blaeu. ### Contributions to Cartography - **Mapmaking**: De Wit was known for his meticulous attention to detail and artistic flair. He produced a wide range of maps, including world maps, regional maps, city plans, and maritime charts...

Title: “The 50 United States of America” Subject: United States, Presidential Elections Date: 1960 (dated) Color: Printed Color Size: 24.9 x 17.9 inches (63.2 x 45.5 cm) This colorful map of the United States was drawn by Lorin Thompson and published by the General Foods Corporation. The map has an unusual coloring style with symbols of American history including past presidents, Native Americans, important buildings (White House, Statue of Liberty, Alamo), agriculture, industry, and more. Includes inset maps of Hawaii and Alaska with small American flags...

This is an antique map of Nürnberg, titled "Territorium Norimbergense," created by Johannes Janssonius and published between 1645 and 1658. It is a copperplate engraving printed on p...

Antique map of modern day Ukraine and Russia titled ‚Moscovie‘. Miniature map of the Moscovia region by A.M. Mallet. Artists and Engravers: Alain Manneson Mallet (1630-1706) spent...

This is a historical sea chart titled "Carte Generale des Costes d'Irlande, et des Costes Occidentales d'Angleterre avec une Partie de celles d'Ecosse," which translates to "General Map of the Coasts of Ireland and the Western Coasts of England with a Part of Scotland." The map was first published in 1693 in the atlas "La Neptune Francois," created by Jaillot and published by Pieter Mortier in Amsterdam. This initiative was started by the French minister Colbert to improve maritime navigation. Details of the Map: 1. **Geographical Coverage:** - The map primarily focuses on the Irish coast. - It also includes the west coast of England and Wales. - Parts of the west coast of Scotland are also depicted. 2. **Inset Map:** - There is a detailed inset map showing the area around Chester and the course of the River Dee. 3. **Features:** - **Depth Soundings:** The Irish Sea is detailed with depth soundings to assist in navigation. - **Coastal Towns and Islands:** Numerous coastal towns, islands, and geographical features are indicated. - **Rhumb Lines:** The map includes extensive rhumb lines, which are lines used by navigators to plot a straight-line course. - **Key:** There is a key describing the quality of the terrain along the coast, important for navigators to understand the nature of the coastal landscape. 4. **Labels and Annotations:** - **Coastal Settlements:** Ports, forts, and villages along the coast are labeled. - **Geographical Features:** Islands and other significant features are marked. 5. **Artistic and Practical Elements:** - The map is printed on thick paper and is hand-colored, reflecting contemporary coloring techniques. - Detailed lines and soundings are included to help ships navigate around the numerous small islands and narrow inlets safely. 6. **Historical Context:** - The map was part of a significant French maritime project aimed at improving navigation and charting European waters more accurately. - It reflects the high level of cartographic skill and knowledge of the late 17th century. This map would have been a valuable tool for mariners of the time, providing them with crucial information about the coastal features, depth soundings, and safe passage routes around the complex coastlines of Ireland, England, and Scotland. About the Makers and the Atlas **1. Alexis-Hubert Jaillot (1632-1712):** - **Background:** Jaillot was a prominent French cartographer and publisher in the 17th century. He was known for his detailed and accurate maps and atlases. - **Work:** He collaborated with other notable cartographers of his time and played a key role in improving and publishing detailed maps. Jaillot's work was characterized by its precision and artistic quality. - **Contribution:** He was instrumental in the creation of "La Neptune Francois," a maritime atlas aimed at improving French naval navigation. **2. Pieter Mortier (1661-1711):** - **Background:** Mortier was a Dutch engraver, publisher, and mapmaker based in Amsterdam. He was well-known for his high-quality prints and maps. - **Work:** Mortier published several important atlases and maps, often collaborating with other cartographers and engravers. His work was recognized for its detailed craftsmanship and accuracy. - **Contribution:** Mortier published "La Neptune Francois" in Amsterdam, making significant contributions to maritime navigation by providing highly detailed sea charts. About the Atlas "La Neptune Francois": **1. Purpose:** - The atlas was created as part of an initiative led by Jean-Baptiste Colbert, the French minister of finance under King Louis XIV. The goal was to enhance the accuracy and availability of maritime charts for French naval and commercial vessels. - "La Neptune Francois" was designed to be a comprehensive and detailed reference for navigators, covering various European waters with a focus on the French coast and adjacent regions. **2. Content:** - The atlas includes a series of sea charts, each providing detailed information on coastal regions, depth soundings, rhumb lines, and other navigational aids. - The maps were printed on high-quality paper and hand-colored, reflecting the artistic standards of the time. **3. Historical Significance:** - "La Neptune Francois" was a landmark in the history of cartography, representing a significant advancement in the accuracy and detail of maritime maps...

This antique map depicts a portion of southern Germany that included the historic regions of Bavaria, the Palatinate, Prussia-Brandenburg, the Rhineland and Saxony. Regensberg, Freis...

This 1645 map, created by Willem Janszoon Blaeu, represents Styria (Steyrmark), a historical region in present-day Austria, located in the Alpine regions. Blaeu, one of the most sign...

Antique map titled 'Rhenus Fluviorum Europae celeberrimus, cum Mosa, Mosella, et reliquis, in illum se exonerantibus, fluminibus'. Beautiful map of the course of the Rhine River...

Antique Map: Carte du Détroit du Sond with Copenhagen Inset, Jaillot/Mortier, 1693 This rare and striking antique map, titled *Carte du détroit du Sond contenant les costes de l’Is...

Title: 1930s Lewis Bros. Limited Detailed Radio Station Map of the United States and Canada – AM Stations, Call Signs, Frequencies, Vintage Advertising Detailed Description: This v...

Early Woodcut Map of the Rhine River Region, "Die Dritte Tafel des Rheinstroms," ca. 16th Century This early woodcut map, titled "Die Dritte Tafel des Rheinstroms Innhaltend das Nid...

Antique map titled 'Prussiae nova Tabula'. Later edition of Blaeu's map of Prussia, embellished with a large cartouche and compass rose. Prussia was a historically prominent Germ...

Title: Early Woodcut Map of Swabia and Bavaria, 16th Century This early woodcut map titled "Schwaben und Bayernlande / Darbey auch begreiffen der Oenwaldt / Nordgaw / etc." provides...

Early Woodcut Map of the Rhine River Region Covering the Palatinate, Austria, and Elsass, ca. 1628 This early woodcut map, titled "Die ander Tafel des Rheinstromes/begriffen die Pfa...

"Recentissuma Novi Orbis Sive Americae Septentrionale et Meriodionalis" A hand-colored copper plate engraving of North and South America by Carel Allard depicting recent discoveries...

Antique map titled 'Presqu'Isle de l'Inde deca le Gange (..)'. Old map showing the southern part of India, including the northern part of Sri Lanka. With inset map of Southern India (Malabar). This map covers the subcontinent from the Bay of Bengal and the Gulf of Cambay to Ceylon. The Mogul Empire can be found in the north. Further south...

Antique map titled 'Insulae Indiae Orientalis'. Original antique map of Southeast Asia. Shows towns, villages, landmarks, mountains, and rivers. Relief shown pictorially. This map or...

Description: Antique map titled 'Erythraei Sive Rubri Maris Periplus olim ab arriano descriptus nunc vero ab abrah ortelio ex eodem delineatus'. Map of the Indian Ocean, or Erythraea...

Antique map titled 'Perse'. Small engraved map of the Persian Empire, decorated with a simple cartouche and armorial shield. This map originates from 'L'Atlas en Abrege, ou Nouvelle ...

Antique map titled 'Africa Minor, Mauritania , Aegyptus.' Charming miniature map of North Africa, showing Egypt, Mauritania and Africa Minor. This map originates from the pocket atla...

Antique map titled 'Gochum vernacule Goch'. Old map of the city of Goch, Germany. This map originates from 'Novum Ac Magnum Theatrum Urbium Belgicæ Liberæ ac Foederatæ' by J. Blaeu. ...

Very handsome original old coloured copper engraving of Malaysia and Singapore, with parts of Sumatra, inc the island of Bangka and Bintam. Title of the map 'Description Malacca'. On...

Antique map titled 'Barbariae et Biledulgerid nova descriptio'. Old map of coastal North Africa and the Mediterranean. The map extends from Morocco and the Sahara to Libya and sh...

This is a detailed colored copperplate engraving depicting northern Dithmarschen, accompanied by town plans of Weßlingburen (now Wesselburen), Lunden, and Heyde (now Heide) at the to...

Very decorative antique map of Chili published by W. Blaeu, 1658. This map depicts Chile from Copiapo southward to the island of Chiloé with ships and sea monsters adorning the sea. ...

This beautifully hand-colored map, titled "Episcopatus Hildesiensis Descriptio Novissima," depicts the Bishopric of Hildesheim, a historical ecclesiastical territory in present-day L...

Antique map titled 'Catalonia'. Antique map of Catalonia, extending from C. De Romani on the Northern Coast to Alfachs and Panicola in Valencia on the southern end of the coast and s...

Antique map titled 'Cestria comitatus Palatinus'. Original old map of Cheshire, Northwest England. Published circa 1665 by J. Blaeu. Willem Jansz. Blaeu and his son Joan Blaeu are th...

This elaborate map of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania served as a historical tribute to the city's first volunteer fire departments. It was drawn by J...

Title: Hand-Colored Map of Germany by Nicolas Sanson, 1648 This hand-colored map, titled "Allemagne," was created by Nicolas Sanson, a prominent 17th-century French cartographer and...

Antique map titled 'Hellas seu Graecia Universa' Detailed map of Greece, with Crete, the Aegean Islands, and part of Turkey. With two cartouches, compass rose and scale. Carolus Alla...

Antique map titled 'Isle de Madagascar ou de St. Laurens. Tiree de Sanutu &c'. Antique map of Madagascar, first published by Sanson in 1657. Sanson n...

Very handsome original old coloured copper engraving by Bertius of the island of Java in the early days of the Dutch colonisation - at that time named The Dutch East Indies or nowada...

Old 17th century miniature antique map of 'Cambaia' , from the 1616 edition of Jadocus Hondius Atlas by Petrus Bertius. Original copperplate engraving with hand coloring. Carto...

Antique map titled 'Cercle de Bourgogne'. Detailed miniature map of the Burgundy region, France. Also shows the Netherlands and Belgium. Originates from Mallet's 'Description de l'Un...

This hand-colored map, titled "Paderbornensis Episcopatus Descriptio Nova," depicts the Bishopric of Paderborn, a historical ecclesiastical territory within the Holy Roman Empire, lo...

Antique print, titled: 'Vera effigies et delineato Insulae Ascenstio …' - Bird's eye view of Ascension Island. Five large sailing ships in the background and flying fish and waterfowl in the foreground. On the rear an image of four ships sailing towards a whale, accompanied by fowl, flying fish and dolphins. From 'Indiae Orientalis', 1598-1604. Artists and Engravers: Made by an anonymous engraver after 'Jean Theodore de Bry...

Antique map titled 'The Continuation of the Road from London to Bristol (..)'. A strip map of the continuation of the road from London to Bristol, this particular sheet showing the r...

Antique map titled 'Dania Regnum'. Large, attractive map of Denmark, Sleschwig-Holstein and southern Sweden. Good detail throughout. Embellished with a title cartouche with the Danis...

Title: Battle of Wimpfen, 1622: Engraving by Matthäus Merian (ca. 1645) Description: This antique copper engraving, created by the renowned Swiss-German engraver Matthäus Merian aro...

Antique map titled 'Isle Dauphine communement nommée par les Europeens Madagascar, et St. Laurens (..)'. Original large-scale antique map of Madagascar...

Antique map titled 'Regiae Celsitudinis Sabaudicae Status consistens in Sabaudiae ac Montisferrati Ducatus, Pedemontii Principatum (..). This map originates from 'Atlas Minor Sive Ge...

Antique map titled 'Ducatus olim Episcopatus Bremensis et ostiorum Albis et Visurgis Fluviorum novissima Descriptio'. Original old map of the area of ??Bremen and Lower Saxony. Uncom...

Antique map of France titled 'Territorium Metense'. Old map focusing on the wine region surrounding Metz, in the Moselle region of France. This map originates from 'Atlas Novus, ...

Antique print, untitled. This original antique print shows the islands Leyden, Middelburg, Hammenhiel, Bramines, Dona Clara and Deserta near Ceylon / Sri Lanka, with their Dutch name...

Antique map titled 'Bingen'. Bird's eye-view of Büdingen, Germany. The view shows a city surrounded by vineyards and well fortified with walls and moats. On the right is the castle w...

This is an attractive historical map of Europe created by Frederick de Wit, published around 1690. Here's a detailed description of the map and additional context about its creation:...

Antique print China titled 'Hukoen of ou Hukeu'. Old print depicting a view on the Chinese city of Hukoen with its ramparts. This print originates ...

Antique map of France titled 'Touraine - Turonensis Ducatus'. Decorative map of the Touraine region, France. It shows the cities of Tours, Amboise and others. Published by J. Jansson...

This is a beautiful example of an antique map, titled "Westertheil des Amptes Haderschleben Zusambt Rieben und dem Loehmcloster Anno 1649." It's a hand-colored copper etching by Matt...

This map, "Westmoria Comitatus; Anglice Westmorland", was created by the esteemed Dutch cartographer Willem Blaeu and was published around 1645 in 'Le Theatre du Monde ou Nouvel Atlas'. It provides a detailed look at Westmorland, a historic county in northern England, based on John Speed’s earlier map. The map features numerous place names, parks, and estates, including Brigster Park, Colnhead Park, Crosbye, and Midleton, along with a detailed depiction of Windermere (spelled Wynandermere) and the surrounding regions. Additional Features: - Hand-colored map, with vibrant and detailed colors that bring out the topographical and decorative features. - Includes intricate cartouches, such as the royal coat of arms, a decorative title cartouche topped with putti (cherubic figures), and six coats of arms (two left blank). - Depicts the region’s rich landscape, including the rolling hills and mountainous terrain of northern England. - French text on the verso, indicative of the publication period from 1645-1648, part of Blaeu’s highly sought-after atlases. - Map shows precise details of small towns, estates, and parks, such as Brigster Park, Colnhead Park, Crosbye, and Wynandermere (now Windermere Lake). This map would be of particular interest to collectors of English county maps, antique maps of northern England, 17th-century cartography, and the decorative works of Willem Blaeu. Blaeu's maps are renowned for their accuracy, artistic beauty, and historical significance. Keywords: Willem Blaeu, Westmorland map, northern England, 17th-century map, antique map, English county map, John Speed, Windermere, decorative cartography, hand-colored map, rare map, antique cartography...

Description: Antique map titled 'Novissima et Accuratissima Totius Russiae vulgo Muscoviae Tabula'. Antique map of Western Russia and Ukraine, published by Justus Danckerts. The ma...

Antique world map titled 'Carte generale du monde, ou description du monde terrestre & Aquatique - Generale Waereld kaart, of beschryving van de land en water waereld'. This is Pierr...

Antique map titled 'Nova Totius Germaniae descriptio.' Miniature map of Germany, from the pocket atlas 'Introductionis in Universam Geographiam tam Veterem...

Antique map titled 'Sara.' Map of Psara ( Psyra or Ipsera) Island (North East Aegean Islands), Greece. This map originates from 'Nauwkeurige Beschrijving der eilanden in de Archipel ...

This map, created by Giacomo Cantelli da Vignola in 1695, represents the "General Government of Guyenne and Gascony" in southwest France. Cantelli da Vignola was a renowned Italian c...

Plate: 'Konings feesten tot Pegu.' (Kings celebrations in Pegu.) On this plate: 1. The King. 2. And the Queen, sprinkling water on each other. 3. Their children. 4. Officers. 5. ...