18th Century and Earlier Maps

Antique map titled 'Dominia Anglorum in praecipuis Insulis Americae ut sunt Insula S. Christophori, Antegoa, Iamaica, Barbados nec non Insulae Bermudes vel Sommers dictae. Die Englis...

Antique map titled 'Carte de la Perse, de la Georgie, et de la Tartarie Independante'. Map of Persia, Georgia and Kazakhstan. This map shows current days Georgia, Iran, Irak, Kaz...

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...

Antique print titled 'Ruin de Kew vuë par le Nord'. Copper engraving of a ruin of the Kew gardens. This print originates from 'Jardins Anglo-Chinois à la Mode' by Georg Louis le Rouge. Artists and Engravers: The work of Le Rouge is considered the most important engraved work concerning the history of European gardens during the 18th century. Kew Gardens is a botanic garden in southwest London that houses the "largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections in the world". Founded in 1840, from the exotic garden at Kew Park, its living collections includes some of the 27,000 taxa curated by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, while the herbarium, one of the largest in the world, has over 8.5 million preserved plant...

Antique map titled 'Partie Meridionale Des Etats de Castille (..)'. Decorative and highly detailed map of the southern part of Castile, Spain, including a decorative cartouche. Publi...

"1716 Moullart-Sanson Map of the Holy Land and Sacred Geography of the Old Testament" This engraved map, created by Pierre Moullart-Sanson and reissued by Robert de Vaugondy in 1740...

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 print titled 'Belegering van Jerusalem door Nebucadnezar (..)'. This original antique print shows the siege of Jerusalem by King Nebucha...

Bird's-Eye Views of Dunkerque, Gravelines, and Bourbourg by Braun and Hogenberg, 1597 This antique print, published in 1597 by Braun and Hogenberg, showcases three detailed bird's...

Description: Antique map titled 'Sumatra ein grosse Insel / so von den alten Geographen Taprobana genennt worden'. Beautiful map of Sumatra and the southern part of Malaysia, with Si...

Antique map titled 'Le Duche de Pomeranie divise en ses Principales Parties (..)'. Large map of Pomerania. Pomerania is a historical region on the southern shore of the Baltic Sea in...

Beautiful map of Italy, Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily. Highly detailed, showing towns, rivers, some topographical features and political boundaries. Published by R. Bonne, circa 1780.

Antique map titled 'Karte von Fes und Marócos (..)'. Original old map of Fez (or Fes) and Morocco. Also shows the Strait of Gibraltar. By Friedrich Gottlieb Canzler, published 1799.

Antique map titled 'Imperii Sinarum Nova Descriptio'. Beautiful map of China and Korea, much detail troughout the map. Including the Islands of Formosa (Taiwan) and Hainan. The Great...

1579 Ornate Map of Burgundy County by Ferdinand de Lannoy Description of the Map: This is a beautifully detailed map of the Burgundy region, titled "Bvrgvndiae Comitatus Recentiss....

Antique map titled 'Dordrecht'. Map of the city of Dordrecht, the Netherlands. Bird's-eye plan view of the city, with many ships and two coats of arms in upper corners. This map orig...

Antique map titled 'Indes IVe Feuille'. Very decorative original antique map of the East Indies. Covbers from the Gulf of Siam (Gulf of Thailand) and Malacca (Malaysia) eastward to i...

Antique print titled 'Copenhagen. Die Königl. Residenz und Haupt Stadt in Dänemark'. Panoramic view of the city of Copenhagen, Denmark. This print, most likely, originates from the s...

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

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...

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 print titled 'Abbildung der Statt Rom/wie sie under Keyser Vespasiano und zu Plinii zeiten gewesen'. Woodcut of ancient Rome. This print originates from Munster's Cosmographi...

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...

Antique map titled 'Britain as divided under the Saxon Heptarchy'. An antique copper engraving map of England and Wales by Joseph Ellis depicting the period of the Saxon Heptarchy. E...

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 map titled 'The Counti of Warwick the Shire Towne and Citie of Coventre described'. Map of Warwickshire, England. Includes inset town plans of Warwic...

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...

Description: Antique print titled 'Nouveau Mexico'. Copper engraving with a panoramic view of Mexico city. Source unknown, to be determined. Artists and Engravers: Engraved after ...

Antique map titled 'Gallia vetus ex C. Iulii Caesaris (..)'. Original antique map of France. Published by P. Mortier, c.1710.

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 'S.R.I. Circulus Rhanus Inferior sive Electorum Rheni (..)'. Detailed map of the Lower Rhine region, Germany. The title cartouche in the upper left quadrant featur...

Antique map titled 'A New Map of the East Indies'. Old map covering all of Southeast Asia from Persia to the Timor Island, inclusive of the modern day nations of India, Ceylon, T...

Antique map titled 'Nubie et Abissinie'. Original antique map of Nubia, a region along the Nile river, and Abyssinia or the Ethiopian Empire. This map o...

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 titled 'Nieuwe Kaart van Italie na de Nieuwste waarnemingen van de l'Isle en andere.' Attractive detailed map showing Italy as well as Corsica, Sardinia, Minorca, Croat...

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...

This is a historical map titled "L'Empire Du Mogol, Et La Presqu Isle De L'Inde En Deca Du Gange." An original authentic map, created by Rigobert Bonne (1727-1794), an influential ...

Antique print titled 'Vue du Lac, de l'Orangerie et du Temple d'Eole à Kew (..)'. Copper engraving showing the lake, orangery, temple and pagoda of the Kew gardens. This print origin...

Antique map titled 'Comitatus Marchia et Ravensberg'. This map depicts two historical counties of the Holy Roman Empire: Marks and Ravensberg. Major cities, towns, mountains, and riv...

This antique map, titled "A Map of Old & New Castile from the Observations of Rodrigo Mendes Silva and others," depicts the regions of Old Castile and New Castile in Spain, along with the Kingdom of Leon, Estremadura, La Mancha, among others. The map dates back to the early 18th century, a period marked by significant political shifts and territorial changes in Europe, particularly illustrated by the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714) that reshaped Spain’s governance and regional boundaries. The map itself was published in 1714 by John Senex, a prominent English mapmaker, surveyor, globemaker, and geographer of the early eighteenth century. He was apprenticed as a young man to bookseller Robert Clavell and collaborated with notable mapmakers such as Jeremiah Seller and Charles Price. In 1728, Senex's contributions to geography and mapping were recognized when he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, an exceptional honor for a mapmaker, underlining his significant role as the Society's engraver and a publisher of maps by Edmund Halley and other notable figures. John Senex is renowned for his English Atlas, first published in the same year as this map, 1714, and continued to be printed until the 1760s. Following his death in 1740, his widow Mary Senex managed the business until 1755. Afterward, the stock passed to William Herbert and Robert Sayer for maps, and to James Ferguson for globes. The map serves not just as a geographical record but also as a historical document, reflecting the territorial divisions significant to Spain's political and economic structure at the time. The focus on Old and New Castile underscores their importance during a transformative era in Spanish history. Here are some potentially significant places and features of this map: 1. **Old Castile (Castilla la Vieja)**: Historically significant as part of the former Kingdom of Castile, this region includes major cities such as Burgos and Valladolid. These cities could be popular search...

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' ...

Antique map titled 'Amerique ou Indes Occidentales (..)'. Vaugondy's map of America, pre-dating information from any of the Cook Voyages. The NW Coast of Amer...

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 'A General Map of Eastern and Western Tatary, commonly call'd Tartary; drawn from the Particular Maps of the Jesuit Missionaries'. Rare antique map of Tartary, C...

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.

Exquisite 1600 Ortelius Map of Artois, France: A Collector’s Piece with Rich Historical Detail Description of the Map: This map, titled "Atrebatum Regionis Vera Descriptio," create...

Antique map titled 'Accurata Scaniae, Blekingae et Hallandiae Descriptio per F. de Wit Amstelodami'. This map shows South Sweden with an inset of Halmstad and vicinity. Contemporary ...

Title: Asiae Peninsula sive Asia Intra Taurum by Christoph Weigel, Circa 1720 – Decorative Antique Map of Cyprus and Asia Minor Description: Thi...

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...

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

This map, titled "Novam Hanc Territorii Francofurtensis Tabulam," is an exquisite hand-colored engraved map from around 1663, created by the renowned cartographers J. and C. Blaeu of...

Antique map titled 'Plan de Bayonne'. Original old plan of the city of Bayonne, France. This map originates from 'Le Petit Atlas Maritime (..)' by J.N. Bellin. Published 1764. Be...

Antique map titled 'Ducatus Uplandiae cum Westmanniae Sudermanniae (..)' This map shows parts of Finland and Sweden. Originally published by Frederick de Wit in the late 1600's. ...

Title: "Hispania Antiqua in Tres Praecipuas Partes Divisa: Tarraconensem, Lusitaniam, et Bæticam" by Robert de Vaugondy, 18th Century Description: This beautifully detailed map titl...

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

This antique map, titled "Carte Ancienne d'Allemagne," represents ancient Germany and surrounding regions. It was published by the well-known Parisian mapmakers and publishers Jean-Baptiste-Louis Clouet and Alexandre Aimé Vuillemin in the late 18th century, specifically in 1787. The map covers the extensive geographical area of ancient Germany, highlighting various tribes and regions known at the time. Key features include: 1. **Geographical Boundaries**: The map outlines the territorial extents of ancient Germany, bordered by Gallia (France) to the west, Sarmatia (parts of Eastern Europe) to the east, and the Italian regions to the south. The northern boundary reaches the Oceanus Germanicus (North Sea) and the Sarmatian Sea (Baltic Sea). 2. **Tribal Regions**: It details numerous ancient Germanic...

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...

Antique map titled 'Hollandiae Cattorum Regionis Typus'. Early copper engraving of the Netherlands in the 2nd state, numbered 30 bottom right. This map originates from 'Description d...