Maps

Ancient Map of Palestine or the Holy Land by D'Anville (1767) This detailed map, created by the renowned French cartographer Jean Baptiste Bourguignon d'Anville in 1767, depicts the...

Antique print titled 'Lubecca, Lübeck'. A bird's eye view of Lubeck, the northern German city in Schleswig-Holstein. This print originates from 'Topographia Saxoniae Inferioris'. Ar...

Antique map titled 'Carte de la presqu-île du Balcan - Karte der Balkan Halbinsel'. Original antique map of the Balkans including Greece, Turkey, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria and...

Antique map titled 'Isola e Castello di Gerbi'. Original antique map of the Island of Djerba, Tunisia, in Africa. Includes an inset of the Djerba Castle in upper right. This map orig...

This map titled *Pascaret van Schager-Rack de Bælt en de Sondt* was created by the prominent Dutch cartographer Johannes van Keulen and published in Amsterd...

The print for sale here depicts a historical map of the province of Sevilla (Seville) from the year 1901. Sevilla is located in the southern part of Spain and is part of the autonomo...

Antique miniature map titled 'Illyricum'. Original small map of Illyricum. The Roman province of Illyricum stretched from the Drilon River (the Drin, in...

Original antique map titled 'Tab XII Asiae Taprobanam (..)'. For this map of Toprobana (Sri Lanka), Ptolemy drew on the accounts of travelers and sailors and though the information was secondhand and often inaccurate, it represented the most advanced account of the world's geography at that time. This map depicts the island with the typical misconceptions of the period with the enlarged island straddling the Equator and nearly divided by a ridge of mountains. A small part of India is incorrectly shown in the northeast corner of the map and a spurious coastline labeled Gangem fills the upper right corner. The stipple engraved sea contains an oriental ship...

The image is an engraving titled “VEROVERINGE VAN RIO GRANDE IN BRASIL ANNO 1633.” This historical print depicts the Dutch conquest of Rio Grande in Brazil, known today as Natal, dur...

Antique map titled 'Gelre'. Old map of the city of Geldern, Germany. This map originates from 'Toonneel der Steden van de Vereenighde Nederlanden' by J. Blaeu. Artists and Engrav...

Antique map titled 'Basin of the Baltic'. Original antique map of Baltic Sea. With inset maps of Kiel, Stettin, Danzig and St Petersburg. This map originate...

Antique print titled 'Nicaea Civitas'. Original antique print with a view of the city of Nice, France. Rare in this edition. Source unknown, to be determined. Artists and Engraver...

Antique map titled 'Fezzae et Marocchi regna Africae Celeberrima'. Map of Morocco, showing large fortified towns of Marakesh, Taradante and Fez, towns, mountains, rivers, lakes, etc....

This antique map, titled 'Les Etats de la Couronne de Castille', represents the southern regions of the Crown of Castile, specifically the territories of Andalusia, Granada, and Murc...

Antique map titled 'Pascaarte vande Noorderzee Custen van America (..)'. Sea chart of Hudson Bay and Arctic Canada. Compass roses, loxodromic lines, and ships decorate the oceans and...

Antique map titled 'Ducatus Meklenburgicus in quo sunt Ducatus Vandaliae et Meklenburgi Ducatus et Comitatus Swerinensis.' A handsome and detailed map of the Duchy of Mecklenburg...

A historical map of the province of Valencia, dated 1901. The map includes intricate details such as topographical features, with mountain ranges and river systems prominently marked...

An original 17th century map entitled "Leodiensis Episcopatus in omnes Subjacentes Provincias distincté divisusVisscher, Leodiensis Episcopatus" by Nicolaes Visscher II, published in Amsterdam in 1688. The map is centered on Liege, Belgium, includes the area between Antwerp, Turnhout, Roermond, Cologne, Trier and Dinant. This attractive map is presented in a cream-colored mat measuring 30" wide x 27.5" high. There is a central fold, as issued. There is minimal spotting in the upper margin and a tiny spot in the right lower margin, which are under the mat. The map is otherwise in excellent condition. The Visscher family were one of the great cartographic families of the 17th century. Begun by Claes Jansz Visscher...

The map provided is of the province of Girona (in Catalan, Girona), located in the northeast of Spain, within the autonomous community of Catalonia, as of the year 1902. Here are the...

Antique map titled 'Novissima et Perfectissima Africae (..)'. Beautiful large map of Africa. This is the 3rd state of the map, with climate notation add...

Description: Antique print, titled: 'Japansche Ren-baanen.' - View of a race at a Japanese (horse) racing track. A man runs beside a horse (the horse's rein in his hand). A man w...

Insula Kilduyn. Orig. copper-engraving after details from J. H. van Linschoten's map taken from his account of the three expeditions undertaken by Willem Barents in 1594, in an attem...

This is a fascinating woodcut map titled *Taprobana*, depicting the island of Sumatra, hand-colored, and published in Venice in 1606. The map originates from Giovanni Battista Ramusi...

Antique map titled 'Partie Meridionale de l'Inde'. Early map of India and Southeast Asia. The map shows most of modern India, Bangladesh and Burma, the whole of Sri Lanka, Thailand, ...

Antique map titled 'Staveren'. Original antique map of the city of Stavoren, Friesland, the Netherlands. This map orginates from 'Teatro del Belgio (..)', published in Frankfurt am Main in 1673 by Gualdo Priorato. Artists and Engravers: Author: Galeazzo Gualdo Priorato (1606-1678) entered military service at a very young age and served in Flanders under the Prince of Orange. After his retirement, he authored several historical accounts including the Teatro del Belgio, which described the Catholic/Protestant wars in Belgium and Netherlands during the seventeenth century. His superb plans do not show the internal layout of the cities, except for showing the locations of the major churches. Instead the emphasis is on the fortification, as well as on the surrounding site, rivers and canals...

Great map of South East Asia Original color. Good condition Published by Alexander Gross Unframed.

Antique map titled 'Japan and Korea'. Original antique map of Japan and Korea. With inset maps of the Japanese Empire, Port Arthur, Formosa ,Tokyo and Yoko...

The original antique map displays the province of Cuenca, located in the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha in central Spain, as of 1901. Here are some of its features: It i...

Antique map titled 'Oldenburg Comitatus'. Detailed old map of Oldenburg, Germany. The map also shows Bremen and the Jade Bight. Published by W. Blaeu, circa 1640. Willem Jansz. Blaeu...

Circa 1659 Johannes Blaeu Map: Ducatus Silesiae Ligniciensis, Legnica Region This hand-colored map from circa 1659 by Johannes Blaeu, titled "Ducatus Silesiae Ligniciensis," depicts the region centered around Legnica (Lignitz) in southwestern Poland. It extends to include the cities of Lublin, Jawor, and Lwówek Śląski. The map features decorative elements such as a title cartouche adorned with a putto, garlands of fruit, and birds, and a distance scale cartouche that includes a hunter with his dogs. This map is dedicated to Georgius Rodulfus, the Duke of Silesia, by Ionas Scultetus, reflecting the map's historical context and noble patronage. It includes Spanish text on the verso, indicating publication between 1659 and 1672. Measuring 20.9 inches wide by 16.3 inches high, the map is in excellent condition with a sharp impression, full contemporary color, and a large watermark of the god Atlas. Minor details include a bit of printer's ink residue at the right and slight marginal soiling. Keywords: - Johannes Blaeu map - Silesia historical map - Legnica (Lignitz) map - 17th-century Poland map...

Antique map of Turkey, Anatolie with Cyprus and the Greece islands. Attractive scrolled title cartouche to top right corner. Blank verso.

Description: Antique map, titled: 'Rhodos.' - Plan of Rhodes, Greece. This map originates from 'Nauwkeurige Beschrijving der eilanden in de in de Archipel der Middellantsche Zee', by...

This captivating 17th-century map titled "Zeilan ou Ceilon Isle" (Ceylon/Sri Lanka) was engraved by Petrus Kaerius (van den Keere) and published in Mercator's "Atlas Minor," edited b...

Title: Antique map titled 'La basse Partie du Gouvernement de Languedoc, environne des Frontiers des Gouverns de Provence, de Dauphine de Lyonnais et de Guienne et Gascogne ; Les Fro...

Antique map titled 'Pascaert van de Soute Eylanden ofte Ilhas de Cabo Verde'. This map depicts the Cape Verde Islands (Africa). Islands titled 'Ile de B...

The text on the map "La principaute de Dombes; J. van den Eynde sculpit.; La Principavte de Dombes" indicates that it is a map of the principality of Dombes, engraved by J. van den E...

A charming late 17th century French map with a very decorative title cartouche showing trumpet-blowing cherubs, by Allain Manneson Mallet (1630-1706), a well traveled military engine...

The map displays the province of Huelva, located in the southwestern part of the autonomous community of Andalusia in Spain, as of the year 1901. It outlines various geographic and m...

This is a historical map showing Spanish possessions in West Africa from the year 1903. The map includes the islands of Fernando Póo (now known as Bioko), part of the modern-day country of Equatorial Guinea, Annobón Island, and the Elobey Islands, along with the Spanish-controlled areas on the continental region near Rio Muni. These territories were part of Spain's colonial empire and are situated in the Gulf of Guinea, off the coast of Central Africa. Fernando Póo (Bioko) is particularly notable for its volcanic origins and as a center of cocoa production during the colonial period. Annobón, lying further southwest of Bioko, is a small volcanic island. The Elobey Islands are very small and located near the coast of Gabon. Here's a brief overview of their significance: 1. **Bioko Island (Fernando Póo)**: The island has a rich biodiversity and is known for its unique flora and fauna, including several endemic species. Malabo, the capital city of Equatorial Guinea, is located here. 2. **Annobón Island**: This remote island has a small population and is known for its isolation and distinctive Creole culture, which has developed independently from the mainland. 3. **Elobey Islands**: These consist of Elobey Grande and Elobey Chico and are situated near the mouths of the Muni and Campo rivers. They were historically important as transit points in river trade...

This is an antique lithography map of Oxfordshire. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest by Robert Morden, dating to the late 17th century and later. Superb l...

Antique print Greece titled 'Het Eilant Standia'. Old print of the island Standia, near Crete, Greece. This print originates from 'Nauwkeurige Bes...

Antique map titled ?Partie Orientale de la Terre Ferme de l'Inde Moderne. Small map of India and the Gulf of Bengal. This map originates from a German edition of 'Description de l' Univers'. Artists and Engravers: Alain Manesson Mallet (1630-1706) was a French cartographer and engineer. He started his career as a soldier in the army of Louis XIV, became a Sergeant-Major in the artillery and an Inspector of Fortifications. He also served under the King of Portugal, before returning to France, and his appointment to the court of Louis XIV. His military engineering and mathematical background led to his position teaching mathematics at court. His 'Description de L'Universe' contains a wide variety of information, including star maps...

Antique map titled 'The Countie of Nottingham (..)'. Map of Nottinghamshire, England. Includes an inset town plan of Nottingham. This map originates from 'Theatre of Great Britaine' ...

This map covers the northwestern coast of Greece and part of present-day Albania. The map was drawn by Johannes Wilhelm Laurenberg, a mathematician and historian who produced several...

Circa 1659 Willem Blaeu Map: Southwestern Switzerland with Geneva & Lakes This detailed map from circa 1659 by Willem Blaeu, titled "Das Wiflispurgergow," highlights the southwestern region of Switzerland. It features significant landmarks such as Geneva, Lake Geneva (Lacus Lemannus), Lake Neuchatel, Lake Biel, Bern, Freiburg, and Lake Thuner. Based on the work of Gerard Mercator, this map is published with Spanish text on the verso, dating from the period between 1659 and 1672. Measuring 19.9 inches wide by 15.1 inches high, the map is rendered in full contemporary color on a bright sheet that bears a large watermark of the god Atlas. The condition is excellent, with a sharp impression, short centerfold separations at the top and bottom margins, and an archivally repaired tear in the right margin. Keywords: - Willem Blaeu map - Gerard Mercator - 17th-century Switzerland map...

This is an antique map of Styria (referred to as “Stiria” or “Steyrmarck”), published by the renowned Dutch cartographer Willem Janszoon Blaeu (often simply “Blaeu”). The first editi...

Antique map titled 'Hic est situs oppidi Grauiae (..)'. Bird's eye view plan of Grave, The Netherlands, Holland. Showing the siege of Grave in the year 1602. Source unknown, to be de...

This original antique map titled "Le Gouvernement de l'Isle de France" represents the Île-de-France region, which historically was one of the provinces of France and contained the ci...

Antique map titled 'Principat et praepositura Berchtesgadensis (..).' Detailed uncommon map of the Berchtesgaden region in southern Bavaria, Germany. Source unknown, to be determined...

Antique map titled 'Bresse'. Old map of the former region of Bresse, France. It is located in the regions of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté of eastern France. This ...

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...

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...

The map provided is of the province of Huesca, located in the northeastern part of Spain, within the autonomous community of Aragon, as of the year 1901. Here are some of the key fea...

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...