18th Century and Earlier Maps

A fine antique of the colony of Pennsylvania. Noted at the top of the sheet as a 'Map of the province of Pensilvania'. This undated and anonymous map is thought to be from the Gentleman's Magazine, London, circa 1775, although the general appearance could date it to the 1760's. The southern boundary reflects the Mason-Dixon survey (1768), the western boundary is placed just west of Pittsburgh, and the northern boundary is not marked. The map has a number of reference points that likely refer to companion text and appear to be connected to boundaries. The western and southern boundaries are marked Q, R, S, for example. A diagonal line runs from the Susquehanna R to the Lake Erie P. A broken line marked by many letters A, B, N, O, etc., appears in the east. There are no latitude or longitude markings, blank verso. Framed in a shaped contemporary gilt wooden frame and matted under a cream colored matte. Bearing an old Graham Arader Gallery...

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...

Historical Map of Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean by Guillaume Delisle - 1780 Reissue This captivating map titled "Carte de la Grèce" was originally crafted by the eminent Fr...

Palermo – 1620 Braun & Hogenberg Bird’s-Eye Map of Palermo, Sicily This beautifully detailed bird’s-eye view of Palermo, Sicily, was created by Georg Braun and Frans Hogenberg aro...

Map of India and Southeast Asia from Ptolemaic Geography – 16th Century Woodcut This remarkable hand-colored woodcut map, originally designed according to the geographical knowledge...

Title: 1705 Sanson Map of Southern India and Malabar with an Inset Map Description: This finely engraved and beautifully hand-colored antique map, published in 1705, depicts south...

France Map 1757 – Southern Provinces by Isaak Tirion in Dutch Engraving This original copperplate engraving published in 1757 by Isaak Tirion in Amsterdam presents a highly detailed...

Carte de la Terre de Canaan ou Terre Promise Cartographer: Le St. Robert Date of Publication: 1750 This exquisite 18th-century map, 'Carte de la Terre de Canaan ou Terre Promise', w...

Plan of Pondicherry Fortifications and Attacks, France, c.1750 This finely engraved map depicts the fortified city of Pondicherry, titled "Plan de Pondichéry et de ses attaques." It...

Antique map titled 'Tabula V Asiae'. Important early woodcut map of Persia, depicting the area of Mesopotamia, Armenia and the Gulf, to the Caspian and Carmania (Iran). Includes name...

Title: 1616 Petrus Bertius Map of Cambay and Gujarat, India Description: This early seventeenth-century map, titled Descriptio Cambaiæ, was published in 1616 by Petrus Bertius, a ...

This map, titled "A Map of the Colonies of the Descendants of Ham," dates to around 1790. It illustrates regions in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Europe that were traditional...

Antique map titled 'Carte du Canal des Iles Philippines - Kaart van het Kanaal in de Filippynsche Eilanden'. Large detailed chart of the islands of the Philippines. One of the most detailed charts of the Philippines of the era. Shows Islands, bays, reefs, soundings tracks of the Manila Galleon route, etc. Includes a large compass...

This is a very handsome and rare 1795 map of the Americas titled "Amerique ou Nouveau Continent Dressee sur les Nouvelles Relations Decouvertes et Observations" by Jean Baptiste Noli...

Antique map Holy Land titled 'Perigrinatie ofte Veertich-Iarige Reyse, der kinderen Israels uyt Egipten, door de Roode-Zee; mitsgaders de Woestyne tot int Beloofde Landt Canaan, : met groote vlyt uyt verscheryden auctoren by een gestelt, uyt de H. Schrift gecorigeert, ende int licht gegeven'. Beautiful and rare antique map of the Holy Land...

This is an original antique map titled 'Valentiae Regni olim Contestanorum Si Ptolemaeo, Edentanorum Si Plinio Credimus Typus'. This is a historical map of the Kingdom of Valencia in...

Large 17th-Century Coronelli Map of Europe with Mythical Islands and Rich Detail This exceptional two-sheet map of Europe by Vincenzo Maria Coronelli, published in Venice in 1692,...

Antique print titled 'Jardins de la Maison de Neuilly'. Copper engraving showing the design of a garden in France. This print originates from 'Jardins Anglo-Chinois à la Mode' by...

An Historical Map of the Roman Empire and the Neighbouring Barbarous Nations by Herman Moll - Circa 1730 This grand and historically significant map of the Roman Empire was create...

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...

Antique Map of the Americas and West Indies by Robert de Vaugondy, 1778 This detailed antique map titled "Amérique ou Indes Occidentales" was published in 1778 by the renowned Frenc...

Antique map titled 'L'Asie Suivant les Nouvelles Decouvertes (..).' Interesting and very unusual map of the Asian continent. The map is based primarily on Dutch sources, particular...

Title: "Map of the Western Part of NEW MEXICO and CALIFORNIA According to the Latest Discoveries by the Jesuits and Others" Description: This exquisite original Dutch map, titled "...

Antique map titled 'Carte de Tartarie'. Detailed map of Tartary, consisting of the Eastern part of Russia, Central Asia, China and Korea, first published by Guillaume De L'Isle in 1706. The map extends from the Peninsula of Korea in the east to the Caspian and Black Seas. The Great Wall of China...

"1573 Abraham Ortelius Map of Tartary, Japan, and Western North America" Description of the Map: This is an outstanding example of Abraham Ortelius' map titled "Tartariae Sive Magn...

Title: Rare 16th Century Woodcut Map of Brabant and the Rhine Valley, circa 1550 Description: This rare and highly decorative early woodcut map depicts the region of Brabant and the...

This antique map, titled "Totius Americae Septentrionalis et Meridionalis," represents a significant cartographic piece from 1710 by Johann Baptist Homann. Here's a description of this remarkable map: - Title: Totius Americae Septentrionalis et Meridionalis (...) - Date: Published in 1710 by Johann Baptist Homann. Description: This map is a first edition of Johann Baptiste Homann's map of America, and it is notable for several cartographic features and historical representations: 1. California as an Island...

This is an early 18th century map of Spain and Portugal, with attractive original hand-coloring, entitled "Hispaniae et Portugalliae Regna per Nicolaum Visscher cum Privilegio Ordinu...

Antique map titled 'Plan de Jedo - Platte Grond van Jedo'. A detailed street map of the city of Edo (modern Tokyo) in Japan, originally engraved by Bellin and Schley and reissued for...

1792 Map of Eastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula by Delisle/Elwe This detailed 1792 map, created by Delisle and published by Elwe, depicts northeastern Africa, including Egypt, ...

Antique Map of Slavonia, Croatia, Bosnia and Dalmatia by Janssonius, circa 1640 This elegant and detailed map titled Sclavonia, Croatia, Bosnia cum Dalmatiae Parte was published by ...

Scarce German Edition of Guillaume Delisle's 1700 Map of North America This beautifully colored and highly detailed map is a rare Latin edition of Guillaume Delisle's influential 17...

This exceptional antique map, titled "Nouvelle Carte Marine de Toute les Cotes de l´Amerique" and alternatively known as "Nieuwe groote en seer Curieuse Paskaart van Geheel-WestIndie...

Antique print titled 'Jardins de Bessingen (..)'. Copper engraving showing a garden plan and orangery (or orangerie). This print originates from 'Jardins A...

Rare 1699 Map of the Failed Scottish Colony of Caledonia in Panama This scarce and historically fascinating map, titled 'The Scots Settlement in America or New Caledonia A.D. 1699',...

This miniature map of the East Indies and Nova Guinea was created by Abraham Ortelius and published in 1601 as part of the "Epitome" by Giovanni Battista Vrients. It is a finely hand...

Map of Blaisois by Janssonius, 1633, Decorative Antique Map of Loire Valley This finely detailed and colorfully embellished map titled 'Description du Blaisois' was published in 163...

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 'Kaart van Oost Indie'. Old map of the East Indies. It shows the routes of Captain William Dampier's voyage throughout the regio...

This is an exquisite antique bird's-eye view map of Hangzhou, historically referred to as "Xuntien or Quinzay," from the first edition of Matthäus Merian's publication in 1638. This ...

Antique map Kiribati titled 'Christmas Island (..)'. Antique map of Christmas Island, also known as Kiritimati. Originates from an edition of Cook's Voyages. Artists and Engravers: Engraved by Duff. Condition: Good, some wear and age-related toning. Please study image carefully. Date: c.1781 Overall size: 27.5 x 21.5 cm. Image size: 20.5 x 18 cm. We sell original antique maps to collectors, historians, educators and interior decorators all over the world. Our collection includes a wide range of authentic antique maps...

Antique print titled 'Karavane by het dorp Coraming - Brug over de rivier Kiesilosan - Het Dorp 't Sargabrand'. Old print with three views, two of which unidentified villages in Iran, and a bridge over the Kiesilosan river. This print originates from 'Cornelis de Bruins...

Title: 1683 Alain Manesson Mallet Map of Ancient India, the Ganges, and Taprobane Description: This finely engraved seventeenth-century map, titled Inde Ancienne à l’Occident du ...

Antique print titled 'Kohm - Kasjan'. Old print with two views: one is Qom, the other Kashan. Both are in Iran (then known as Persia). This print originates from 'Cornelis de Bruins...

Rare 1793 Map of North America: French and Indian War Boundaries and Historical Notes This remarkable engraved map of North America, printed in 1793 by Emanuel Bowen and John Gibs...

Antique map titled 'Septemtrionaliora Americae a Groenlandia (..)'. Sea chart of the northern waters of North America, including the coast of Labrador and pa...

This impressive map titled "Terra Neuf, en de Custen van Nieu Vranckryck, Nieuw Engeland... Venezuela," published by Louis Renard in 1745, captures the North Atlantic coastline, enco...

Antique map titled 'Het Heylige Land verdeeld in de Twaalf Stammen Israels (..)'. Decorative and detailed map of the Holy Land divided into 12 Tribes, sh...

Antique map titled 'Nieuwe Kaart der platte Grond van de Stad Parys (..)'. Beautiful city plan of Paris, France. This map originates from 'Nieuwe en Beknopte Hand-Atlas, bestaande in...

Bordeaux City View – Braun & Hogenberg Original Woodcut, ca. 1575 Description: This detailed and highly decorative bird’s-eye view of Bordeaux, titled Bovrdeavx, originates from the...

Antique map titled 'Carte de l'Amerique Méridionale'. Original antique map of South America. Note the 'Laguna de Xarayes' is illustrated as the source of the Paraguay river. The laguna is now known as Pantanal, world's largest tropical wetland area. This map orginates from 'Abrégé de l'histoire générale des Voyages' by J.F. de la Harpe.

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...

Map of the British Isles by Gerard Valk circa 1700 – Hand-Colored Engraving This elegant copperplate engraving titled *Les Isles Britanniques, qui contiennent les Royaumes d'Anglete...

Antique map titled 'Venezuela cum parte Australi Novae Andalusiae'. The map extends from Coquibocoa to the Orinoque River, centered on Bariquicemento and Cape de Curiacao. Large cart...

This is a woodcut city view of Worms, published in Sebastian Münster's *Cosmographia* around 1578. The image depicts a bird's-eye view of the city of Worms, located in Rheinland-Pfal...

This is a large (two seperate sheets) and detailed map of Italy, including the southern parts of Germany, Dalmatia, the adjacent countries, and the Illyric Islands. The map is titled...

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

Title: 1742 Covens & Mortier Map of the Persian Empire by Guillaume De L'Isle This remarkable 1742 map, "Carte de Perse," was originally designed by Guillaume De L'Isle, a preemin...

Antique print titled 'Section of a New Garden Room at Hall Barn (..)'. Plan of the garden room for Hall Barn, near Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. This print originates from 'Vitruvius Britannicus...

Antique map titled 'Les Isles Antilles et le Golfe du Méxique'. Original old map of the Caribbean, Gulf Coast and Central America. With inset map of Bermuda...