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Dutch East India Company Engraving of Batavia and Trade, Heydt 1744

About the Item

Dutch East India Company Engraving of Batavia and Trade, Heydt 1744 This striking and vividly hand-colored copper engraving is taken from Johan Wolfgang Heydt's rare work on the Dutch East Indies, published in 1744. It is an extraordinary visual composition that not only frames a decorative cartouche but also integrates three detailed vignettes, offering an exceptional glimpse into the world of colonial trade, maritime power, and the ethnographic landscape of Southeast Asia in the mid-18th century. At the center is a grand rococo cartouche, lavishly ornamented in floral and baroque design, featuring a title in German that introduces a compilation of accurate maps, plans, and coastal profiles related to Dutch activities in the East Indies, Africa, and Asia. The title is surrounded by scenes of palm trees, colonial labor, and indigenous figures, making it both an artistic and documentary piece. Beneath the cartouche are three narrative panels, each capturing a distinct facet of Dutch overseas activity: On the left, two European men (likely surveyors or navigators) examine globes and instruments—an allegory of science, exploration, and imperial ambition. Their attire and instruments reflect Enlightenment ideals and the rise of systematic geographic knowledge. In the center, an expansive harbor view of Batavia (present-day Jakarta) shows a coastline dotted with sailing vessels and fortified structures. The scene is rendered in a picturesque style, with green hills rising behind a busy colonial port—an important Dutch stronghold in the East Indies. On the right, a dramatic maritime scene depicts a ship caught in stormy waves, a nod to the dangers of global navigation. The vessel is shown at a precarious angle, caught in a towering blue swell—highlighting both the adventure and peril of Dutch expansion. This piece was engraved by Johann Michael Seligmann, a noted German engraver, based on the accounts and sketches of Heydt, who was an engineer and architect serving the Dutch VOC in Ceylon and Java. Condition summary: The print is in good condition, with strong plate lines and original color preserved. Minor toning and a few spots in the margins are present, consistent with age. The engraving remains clean and visually impactful, with no repairs or restoration evident. Framing suggestion: Due to its vibrant coloration and visual complexity, this print would benefit from a wide off-white archival mat and a simple, gold-leafed wooden frame to echo the ornamental character of the cartouche without distracting from the detail. It would be a compelling piece in any collection focusing on Dutch colonial history, maritime art, or the decorative arts of the Enlightenment.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 9.45 in (24 cm)Width: 11.19 in (28.4 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1744
  • Condition:
    The print is in good condition, with strong plate lines and original color preserved. Minor toning and a few spots in the margins are present, consistent with age. The engraving remains clean and visually impactful, with no repairs or restoration.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-14071-21stDibs: LU3054345460172

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