Spice Epicenter: Engraving of The Banda Islands in the Age of Exploration, 1753

Antique map titled 'Kaart der Bandasche Eilanden' with a view titled 'Gezigt van het Eiland Neira en de Goening Api'. Rare and attractive map of the Banda Islands with a large view of Banda Neira and Gunung Api. One of 12 maps from ‘Atlas van Overzeesche bezittingen’ (Atlas of Oversea Possessions) by J.S. van den Bosch. J.S. van den Bosch (1780 – 1844), Major General, Knight of the 3rd Class of the Military William Order. It is a rare and visually appealing representation of the Banda Islands, a group of ten small volcanic islands in the Banda Sea, part of present-day Indonesia. The map is one of twelve from the “Atlas van Overzeesche bezittingen” (Atlas of Overseas Possessions) by J.S. van den Bosch, who was a Major General and a Knight of the Military William Order. Johannes van den Bosch, who lived from 1780 to 1844, had a significant military and administrative career, including serving as Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies. His works and collections are reflective of the Dutch colonial interest and administration in the region. The Banda Islands, depicted in this map, are particularly famous for being the sole source of nutmeg and mace before the mid-19th century. Nutmeg was highly valued in European cuisine, as a preservative, and as a medicine. The monopoly on these spices made the Banda Islands extremely important during the age of spice trade, which also led to intense colonial competition and conflict, notably between the Dutch and the British. The map itself provides a detailed topographical representation of the Banda Islands, possibly with depth soundings and navigational hazards indicated, which would have been essential information for the ships of the Dutch East India Company and other seafarers. The large view of Banda Neira and Gunung Api (literally "Fire Mountain...

Antique print titled 'Het Eyland Neira, en het Casteel Nassau mitsgaders Belgica'. Beautiful view of Banda Neira with Fort Nassau, Indonesia. This print originates from 'Oud en Nie...

O/7821 - interesting French book that I saved from ruin: they are usually dismembered to make prints to sell individually. This one is intact, with its 24 printed plates. Nice to ...

This original wood engraving is titled “The Restaurant of the House of Representatives, Washington, DC.” It was published as a double-page image, in the August 12, 1893 issue of the famous 19th century newspaper Harper’s Weekly. The print was illustrated by Charles Stanley Reinhardt. The House Restaurant, a unique part of life in the Capitol, has been in the same location since the 1857 Capitol Expansion. Congressional members’ busy work schedule made the availability of food on site a necessity. But the restaurant also served as an informal meeting spot for members to continue conversations and deal making. This 1893 print illustrates the convivial atmosphere. Details including elegantly dressed tables...