Benelux - Collectibles and Curiosities

Rare and beautiful bronze Art Deco Christ wall sculpture. Some works of religious art depict Christ in terrible agony, but this symmetrical specimen from the European Art Deco era i...

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...

Russia / 19th century / Religious Icon / oak / Baroque / Antique An Antique traditional Russian Icon of the "Holy Apostle John the Theologian” in tempera on panel. This icon was han...

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...

New vintage 1970 backgammon rare Etienne Aigner handmade soft leather complete set with instruction booklet, a rare find since they were just a few made guaranteeing the maximum leve...

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...

Käthe Kruse small doll, 1970-1980s A Käthe Kruse, Modell Hanne, made in Germany girl with braids in her hair, wears the original blue dress with an apro...

The black leather binding in faux shark skin, with silver fittings, unmarked, front and back centrally with a VOC ship within a symmetrical rococo cartouche, the two clasps with VOC ...

Stunning and amazingly sculptural Gothic Art chandelier. If you are an antique collector with an eye for the extra special then this four light bronze chandelier could be right up y...

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...

Taxco Mexican silver Aztec Mask face pendant. Taxco Mexico Silver 950/1000, TC-110 An Onyx hand carved mask of an Aztec figure with a Malachite collar se...

Introducing a Collector's Dream: Rare 1960s Swiss Air Chrome-Plated Ashtray with a DC8 Airplane Model! Are you ready to own a piece of aviation history that's not just functional bu...

Antique large Gothic Revival wall bracket with carved acanthus leafs This handcrafted and hand-carved, Gothic Revival wall bracket is one of the largest we ever had the pleasure of offering. Together with the natural flowing and deeply carved, acanthus leafs and the Gothic rosettes around the upper rim it also has the most wonderful organic shape. The sheer size of this church relic, its striking design and its ancient patina makes it an absolute joy to own and look at. This is a great bracket for displaying a large saint statue...

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...

Nautical Chart of Cape Verde Islands by J.W. Norie, 1824 Coastal Map This beautifully engraved nautical chart, titled “A New Chart of the Cape Verde Islands,” was drawn by J.W. Nori...

Antique map titled 'The Leeward or North Caribbean Islands'. Original antique map of Cuba, Haiti and Porto Rico. This map originates from ‘The Imperial Atla...

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...

'Maison Kuiper' Ocelot fur hat, Model Sissy, The Netherlands, 1950s. This is a rare beret style hat in ocelot fur made by 'Maison Kuiper' a very high-end...

Discover the Omega Seamaster Automatic 120m Chronograph (Ref. 176.004) - a.k.a. as "Big Blue" Step into the world of vintage luxury with this remarkable Omega Seamaster Automatic 1...

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...

When it comes to defining elegance and affluence as a lifestyle, Lalique crystal comes to mind for most people. From its earliest days to present times, the Lalique Company has consi...

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...

This 1882 map of Mexico, published by Blackie and Son as part of the 'Comprehensive Atlas and Geography of the World,' provides a highly detailed representation of the country's geog...

Wonderful and deeply carved Victorian wall bracket Corbel. This all handcrafted, Victorian masterpiece has the most wonderful shape and patina. The organic shape and the natural flowing of the deeply carved, acanthus leaf is an absolute joy to behold. Apart from some minimal imperfection (consistent with age), this top quality carved, solid oak bracket from the mid-19th century is in great condition. This fine antique can...

Antique print titled 'Das rennen und stechen'. Engraving of a Medieval tournament. This print originates from 'Thurnier Buch. Von Anfang, Ursachen, ursprung und herkommen (..)' b...

Decorative gramophone horn in wood Antique - Decoration - Phonograph Materials : Wood - Metal Wear consistent with age and use : See photos please

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: Rare 1864 Civil War Era Map of Illinois with Lake Michigan Detail Description: This intricately detailed antique map, titled "Johnson's Illinois," was published in 1864 by Jo...

Rare Gothic bench with top quality carved, church letter panel and more. This beautifully hand carved, oak church bench from the early 1900s is in ...

Stunning 19th century Gothic art pendant with three gargoyle sculptures. This late 1800s church relic truly has an aura of religiousness about it...

20th century antique porcelain doll heads, various sizes and ages. 25 items in total. Originates France, dating, circa 1950-1960.

Origin: Holland Value: 2 pennies / 2 stuiver Date: 1724 A VOC Akerendam shipwreck treasure of nine 2 stuivers minted by the Province of Holland ...

Old print of decorative art in the Middle Ages. This print originates from 'L'Ornement polychrome'. A beautiful work containing about...

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 ...

Unique and antique alabaster sculpture of our Lord Jesus. This gorgeous and large size work of religious art from a church or monastery is...

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...

British Army Camp Scenes – Highland and Queen’s Regiments, 19th Century Pair, circa 1870 This is a compelling pair of original 19th-century albumen photographs depicting British Arm...

Danish design A rare Danish midcentury pianette made of mahogany. It is called pianette due to the 82 keys rather than the standard 88 of a full size piano. This pianette is made by ...

Gothic Revival 'sermon on the mount' wall plaque with Jesus teaching. This large size work of religious art depicts Jesus and He is surrounded b...

Stunning, top quality made antique pendant in the Gothic style. If you are a collector of rare and ancient looking Gothic antiques then this large size and possibly one of a kind pendant could be flying your way soon. With antique light fixtures as one of our specialities, we know how rare Gothic lanterns are and to have found one of this age, size, beauty and quality more than made our day. Also, because this all hand-crafted specimen is, except for the glass, completely original and in superb condition. What makes this stylishly blackened specimen stand out from the other Gothic lights that we have sold over the years, is the thickness of the forged wrought iron parts and its relatively clean-lined design. The forged iron is thick and strong and that too is why this large lantern light...

Vintage 1970s lucite Ronson table lighter Space Age design - Modern office decor Measures : 8,5cmx6,5cm H 12cm Material : Lucite Wear consisten...

Amazingly hand carved church wall bracket with a winged angel sculpture. This stunning and all handcrafted, Gothic Revival wall bracket has the mo...

Title: Rare 1864 Civil War Era Map of North America with Detailed Borders Description: This remarkable antique map, titled "Johnson's North America," was published in 1864 by Johnso...

Space Age design - Radio LW/MW/FM Transport yourself back to the groovy 1970s with the vintage 1970s White Weltron radio and iconic Space Age Ball 8-trac...

Title: Rare 1864 Civil War Era Map of Canada with Great Lakes Detail Description: This finely detailed antique map, titled "Johnson's Canada," was published in 1864 by Johnson and W...

Antique Map of the European Turkey, Greece & Ionian Islands – Stieler, c.1860 Original antique map titled *Die Europaeische Türkei, Griechenland und die ...

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...

19th Century Dutch silver watch-key 19th century silver watch-key in the shape of a musical instrument with filigree. The eyelet is marked but faded and probably it is the hallmar...

Perfect size and shape church bench. This very well crafted, solid oak bench is a perfect example of quality made European furniture from the late 1900's. We felt very fortunate to ...

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...

Russia / 19th century / Religious Icon / oak / Baroque / Antique Traditional antique Russian Icon from the estate of a collector. Hand painted in tempura on an oak wooden panel in t...

Antique print titled ‘Histoire Sainte, Nouveau Testament, Institution de L'Eucharistie.’ This plate shows a scene from the New Testament; The Institution of the Eucharist at the Last...

Endre László Szász for hollohaza porcelain violin, Hungary 1979-1980. A Hungarian porcelain violin on a round stand with a brown painted scene o...

Wonderful craftsmanship, deeply carved, solid oak, Gothic Revival wall coat rack. Anyone who has ever visited a Gothic (Revival) church or another Gothic style building will immedia...

Antique print titled 'Saint Basile'. Print of Saint Basil. Basil of Caesarea, also called Saint Basil the Great (330 – January 1 or 2, 379), was a Byza...

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...

Antique map of America titled 'Carte de l'Amerique septentrionale'. Scarce map of North America, shortly after the Louisiana Purchase and the first ...

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 size antique Gothic Art painting 'The Apparition of the Virgin Mary to Saint James'. We are by no means connoisseurs when it comes to antique paintings, but we have seen enough antique paintings to know when something is special, decorative and truly inspiring and interesting to look at. And the large size of this antique work of art, makes it impressive too. Also, because it must have taken one very skilled painter an awful lot of time (probably weeks, if not months) to hand-paint this famous religious scene. According to ancient local tradition, on January 2nd of the year AD 40, the Virgin Mary appeared to James on the bank of the Ebro River at Caesaraugusta, while he was preaching the Gospel in Iberia. Looking at the perfectly painted ancient landscape and the kneeling figure who is in awe of what he is witnessing (by the river bank) we believe this is in fact the apparition of Mary to James. Following that apparition, by the way, St. James returned to Judea, where he was beheaded by King Herod Agrippa the first (in the year AD 44). Judging from the skillfully painted individuals in the Renaissance Style and the striking and lively colors, we believe, this late 1800s painting is the work of a true artisan. This work of religious art on the back reads 'Sacerdote Salvatore Rosa, Dipinse 1889' which means Priest Salvatore Rosa, Painted 1889. This priest clearly had a god given talent and god bless him for having created this masterpiece. Apart from some minor imperfections this large and nostalgic painting is in very good condition and we believe it will look particularly great in a church, monastery or chapel. At the same time, a one of a kind antique like this will ofcourse also look great atop the stairwell of a mansion or in the entry hall of a French castle etc. We don't know the 'exact' value of this large size antique painting...

Set of antique iron measure of capacity ton for educational use. Beautifully aged, slightly rusty patina but still very robust. The white letters are hand painted on the black paint...