Maps

Title on page: "Ins. de Cerno a. Nostatibus Mauritius Nominata [on sheet with] Gunnanappi Labetacq [and] Civitas Gammelamme [and] Rex Tubatus", Le Clerc, Jean This sheet includes fo...

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 of Java titled 'Carte de l'Ile de Java: Partie Occidentale, Partie Orientale, Dressee tout Nouvellement (..)'. Decorative large format map...

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 print titled 'Views of the Coast of Kamtschatka (..)'. Print with coastal views of Kamchatka including volcanoes. Originates from an edition of Cook's Voyages. Artists and ...

Antique map titled 'Carte de l'Indoustan (..) - Kaart van Hindoestan (..)'. Original antique map of northern India. This map originates from 'His...

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

Antique print titled 'Gesicht by de Doelen over de Korte Vyverberg tot Gravenhaghe'. Beautiful view on the Korte Vijverberg, next to the Hofvijver in The Hague. On the right-hand sid...

Antique map Switzerland titled 'Territorium Reipublicae liberae Helveticae Scaphusiensis (..)'. Regional map of Switzerland. Artists and En...

Antique Map of the Electorate of Brandenburg by Georges-Louis Le Rouge, 1748 This 1748 map by Georges-Louis Le Rouge, titled "Le Marquisat et Electorat de Brandenbourg," depicts the...

Antique map titled 'Motus Comtarum in Hemispaerio Australi (..)'. This uncommon chart depicts the passage of comets in the southern sky between the years 1530-1704. Centered on the ecliptic poles and shows the constellation figures based on classical mythology, without showing the stars. The paths of dozens of comets are illustrated, eincluding those sighted by Tycho Brahe...

Antique map titled 'Kaart van het Eyland Borneo'. Original antique map of the island of Borneo. Published 1724-1726 by Joannes van Braam and Gerard Onder de ...

Antique map titled 'Artesia'. Original antique map of the Artois region, France. Published by A. Ortelius, circa 1590.

Antique map titled 'South America according to the latest observations'. Antique map of South America originating from 'Geography Anatomiz'd: or, The Geographical Grammar'. Artists a...

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 titled 'La Hongrie suivant les Nouvelles Observations (..)'. Antique map of Hungary with decorative title cartouche. Artists and Engravers: ...

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 map of Ireland created by Carel Allard around 1700, titled "Hibernia Regnum in Quatuor Provincias Ultoniam, Connaciam, Lageniam, et Momoniam". The map is hand-colored and engraved. It includes two large decorative cartouches. The map is part of an atlas by Carel Allard, an Amsterdam-based cartographer. Here are the detailed points about the map: Maker: Carel Allard - a prominent Dutch cartographer and publisher from Amsterdam. Atlas: Source Atlas - Likely part of an atlas published by Carel Allard, but specific title of the atlas isn't mentioned. Interesting Features 1. Decorative Cartouches: The map features two large, ornate cartouches. One in the upper left depicts a classical figure and British Royal arms...

Antique map France titled 'La France sous la fin du Regne de Jean II (..)'. Beautiful old map of France. This map originates from 'Atlas Historique de la France Ancienne et Moderne' ...

Antique map titled 'A Large Draught from Benjar on the Island of Borneo To Macasser on the Island of Celebes Shewing the Streight of Bally with the Islands to the Eastward thereof.' ...

Antique map titled 'Carte des Antilles Francoises et des Isles Voisines'. Original antique map of the French Antilles, covering an area stretching from Guadeloupe in the north to Gre...

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...

Antique map of the Dominion of Venice, extending from Stato di Milano and Genoa to Istria. Including Lake Garda, Venice and Istria.

Early Woodcut Bird's Eye View of Rouffach, France, by Sebastian Münster, 1554 Description: This rare 1554 woodcut is a bird's eye view of Rouffach, a town in the Haut-Rhin departmen...

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 'Byzondere Kaart van de Landen Daar de Apostelen Het Evangelium Gepredikt Hebben (..).' Highly decorative map of the eastern Mediterranean...

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...

Antique map titled 'Westergo'. Original antique map of Westergo, part of the province of Friesland, the Netherlands. Published 1744. Artists and Engravers: Isaak Tirion (1705 in U...

1777 A. Krevelt Map of Baja California and Northwestern Mexico - Jesuit Observations and Native Tribes A. Krevelt - Carte de la Californie d'Après les observations les plus exactes ...

Attractive map of Gabon, the Congo and Angola from Cape Lopez and Sao Tomé to approximately the border with present-day Namibia. The map is fully engraved with mountains, rivers, for...

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...

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...

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...

This map, titled “Agri Parisiensis Tabula particularis,” was created and published by the German cartographer Johann Baptist Homann (1664–1724), or his workshop, in Nuremberg. Homann...

1784 Russian Discoveries in Siberia, Alaska & the Bering Strait - Gerhard Friedrich Muller "Nouvelle Carte des Decouvertes Faites par des Vaisseaux Russiens Aux Cotes Inconnues de L'Amerique Septentrionale avec Les Pais Adiacents" is a seminal map by Gerhard Friedrich Muller, showcasing Russian discoveries in Siberia, Alaska, and the Bering Strait region. Originally published in 1754, this map served as a direct counter to Guillaume de L'Isle's speculative "fantasy" map of the same area, which prominently featured the fictitious Mer de l'Ouest (Sea of the West). This edition, published in 1784 by the Imperial Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg, reflects the substantial geographic knowledge gained through Russian explorations, particularly the voyages of Vitus Bering. It accurately depicts the northern Pacific coasts, focusing on Siberia, the Aleutian Islands, and the Alaskan coast. The hand-coloring remains vibrant, emphasizing key geographic details, and a richly decorated rococo cartouche adorns the upper right, indicating the map's origins. This map is a significant artifact, illustrating the progression of cartographic accuracy and the influence of Russian expeditions in shaping the early knowledge of the North Pacific and Arctic regions. The 1784 edition of Gerhard Friedrich Muller's map features the routes of key Russian voyages that explored the North Pacific, specifically those related to the exploration of Siberia, Alaska, and the Bering Strait. These include: 1. Vitus Bering's Voyages (1728 and 1741) - The map shows routes of Vitus Bering, a Danish explorer in the Russian Navy, who led two important expeditions: - During his first Kamchatka Expedition (1728), Bering navigated through what is now known as the Bering Strait, proving that Siberia and Alaska were separated by a sea. - His second Kamchatka Expedition (1741) extended further eastward to Alaska. This journey greatly expanded European knowledge of the northern Pacific and confirmed Alaska as part of the North American continent. 2. Aleksei Chirikov's Route (1741) - As part of the second Kamchatka Expedition, Aleksei Chirikov, who was Bering's second-in-command, led a separate ship and reached the Alaskan coast, discovering the southeastern parts of Alaska and providing further detailed knowledge of the area. 3. Russian Navigators in the Aleutian Islands - The map also shows the exploration routes in and around the Aleutian Islands, which were instrumental for Russian fur...

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...

Wonderful scroll map of Lincolnshire By Captain Armstrong, 1778 Copper plate engraving on paper laid on canvas Original ebonized wood frame with lovely t...

Antique print titled 'Algiers'. Old print with a view of Algiers, Algeria. With Dutch legend. Originates from the first Dutch editon of an interesting travel account of Northern Afri...

Antique world map titled 'De Werelt Caart'. A scarce and richly detailed double hemisphere world map that was probably based on an earlier work by Cornelis Dankerts. This map has t...

Antique map titled 'Chersonesi quae hodie Natolia Descriptio'. Decorative, smaller map of Asia Minor including part of the Greek Archipelago and Cyprus. The drape-style title cartouc...

Antique map titled 'Suite de la Carte de l'Indoustan (..) - Vervolg van de Kaart van Hindoestan (..)'. Original antique map of Southern India and Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka). This...

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...

Antique map of the Sinai Peninsula showing the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the south. The map is decorated with images of a Persian wheel and a view of a vi...

1585 Mercator map of Ireland, entitled "Irlandiae Regnvm." Hand Colored Description: Published in Amsterdam by Mercator/Hondius ca. 1585. Artists and Engravers: 1585 Mercator map of Ireland, entitled "Irlandiae Regnvm." Copperplate engraving on verge type hand laid paper with watermark. Description: Published in Amsterdam by Mercator/Hondius ca. 1585.Artists and Engravers: Mercator was born in Rupelmonde in Flanders and studied in Louvain under Gemma Frisius, Dutch writer, astronomer and mathematician. The excellence of his work brought him the patronage of Charles V, but in spite of his favor with the Emperor he was caught up in the persecution of Lutheran protestants and charged with heresy, fortunately without serious consequences. No doubt the fear of further persecution influenced his move in 1552 to Duisburg, where he continued the production of maps, globes and instruments. Mercator's sons and grandsons, were all cartographers and made their contributions in various ways to his atlas. Rumold, in particular, was responsible for the complete edition in 1595. The map plates...

Antique map titled 'Environs d'Aiguemortes de Peccais &a et la petite Camargue'. Original map of the region of Aigues-Mortes and Camargue, France. This map originates from 'Le Petit ...

Antique map titled 'Rama'. This maps shows a view of Ramma (Ramallah?) in Palestine or the Holy Land. With Dutch legend. Source unknown, to be determined. Artists and Engraver...

"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...

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 'Carte Particuliere des Isles Moluques'. This map depicts the islands of Herij, Ternate, Tidor, Pottebackers, Timor, Machian and Bachian. The Moluccan islands were...

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. ...

One sheet with two engraved maps, one on each site, and text in Italian. Late 16th century copper engravings in great condition, considering its age. "Tavola Decima Dell'Asia" - Tabula Asiae X" Plate X (10). Pakistan, Cashmir, Bangla Desh, North-India...

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...