18th Century and Earlier Maps

A fine antique 18th century French map of North America. By Jacques-Nicolas Bellin. On laid paper with polychrome highlights. Depicting Virginia, the Chesapeake Bay, and the nearb...

Rare decorative engraved map of the Dutch East Indies, or nowadays Indonesia. Title (in old Dutch): NIEUWE EN NAUKEURIGE KAART DER OOST-INDISCHE ...

Sacrifice Offered to the Sun – Antique Engraving, Upper Egypt, c.1790 This 18th-century copperplate engraving, titled *Sacrifice Offert au Soleil*, presen...

Antique map titled 'Novissima Totius Terrarum Orbis Tabula, Auctore Nicolao Visscher'. Gorgeous example of Nicholas Visscher's World map, which appeared...

1793 Map of Saint Domingue (Haiti and DR) – Colonial Island Plan This antique map is titled “A Map of the Island of St. Domingo” and dates from circa 1793. It depicts the entire isl...

Antique print titled 'Gebergte van Sang-Won-Hab'. Old print depicting the Sang-Won-Hab mountains (China) with many ships on the river between the mountains. This print originates fro...

Antique Map of Tibet and Latac by D’Anville, Paris, 1737 This antique engraved map is the ninth and final sheet of Jean-Baptiste Bourguignon d’Anville’s monumental Carte générale du...

Antique map titled 'Descriptio Paradisi et Terrae Canaan'. Original antique map of Canaan, Armenia, Syria, Mesopotamia and Arabia. It displays the Middle East from the eastern Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf...

This rare and fascinating map, titled "Atlantis Insula a Nicolao Sanson Antiquitati Restituta" by Guillaume Sanson, presents an unusual interpretation of the Western Hemisphere, comb...

Antique map titled 'L'Ancien Monde Et Le Nouveau en Deux Hemispheres' - Double hemisphere map of the World, showing the contemporary geographical...

Antique world map titled 'De Werelt Caart'. A scarce and richly detailed double hemisphere world map that was probably based on an earlier work by Cornelis Dankerts. This map has t...

This map, "Assyria vetus diuisa in Syriam, Messopotamiam, Babyloniam, et Assyriam", by Pierre Mortier, is a late 17th-century depiction of the historical Middle East. Title: Ancie...

Caen – Antique Hand-Coloured Normandy Town Plan Engraving (1666) This 17th-century copper engraving offers a finely detailed early plan of Caen, published in Antwerp in 1666 for the...

Cherbourg – Antique Hand-Coloured French Coastal Town Engraving (1666) This 17th-century copper engraving presents a finely detailed early plan of Cherbourg, published in Antwerp in...

Dieppe – Antique Hand-Coloured French Coastal Town Engraving (1666) This charming 17th-century copper engraving presents an early bird’s-eye plan of the fortified port town of Diepp...

Great map of Ancient Greece. Showing the region of Thessaly, including Mount Olympus Drawn by J.D. Barbie Du Bocage Copper plate engraving by P.F Tardieu Original hand color...

1640 Antique Map of North Africa 'Nova Barbariae Descriptio' by Johannes Janssonius This antique map titled Nova Barbariae Descriptio*, published by Johannes Janssonius around 1640,...

Konstantinopel – Panoramic View of Istanbul by François Halma, 1705 This engaging hand-colored engraving of “Konstantinopel” offers a sweeping panoramic view of 18th-century Istanbu...

Antique print titled 'Het Huis te Herlaar en het Dorp Tienhoven langs de Lek te zien'. View of the village of Tienhoven, the Netherlands. This print originates from 'Het verheerlykt ...

“Mappe Monde, contenant les Parties Connues du Globe Terrestre” CHAMBON, Gobert-Denis (France, 17.. - 1781) Paris, Longchamps et Janvier, 1754 Size H. 115 x W. 145 cm. Gobert-Denis Chambon made copper engraving after the work of Guillaume De L’Isle, published in 1754 by Jean Janvier and S.G. Longschamps. A huge wall map of the world in two hemispheres printed on two sheets, depicting the Eastern and Western hemispheres supported by two male figures, decorated at the bottom right and left with two celestial hemispheres (boreal and southern) and at the bottom in the middle with an armillary sphere, in addition. This map is most notable for its depiction of the Sea of Japan labeled "Mer de Corée" and of "Mer de L'Ouest" or Sea of the West - a great sea, easily the size of the Mediterranean, to flow from the then-known Strait of Juan de Fuca...

Antique map titled 'Accurata Totius Archipelagi Et Graeciae Universae Tabula'. Detailed map of Greece. Includes Albania, Macedonia and parts of Turkey and Cyprus. With compass rose...

This antique map, titled "Terre de Chanaan ou Terre Promise a Abraham," is a finely detailed copper-engraved map created around 1750 by Delamarche in Paris, based on earlier works by...

Map of the Ottoman Empire in Europe – Reilly, Vienna circa 1794-1796 This large original antique map, titled “Karte von dem Oschmanischen Reiche in Europa,” was published between 17...

A fine antique 18th century map of the North American seaboard. Entitled "A New Map of North America from the Latest Discoveries 1763". By the Cartographer/Engraver - John Spil...

Antique map titled 'Nieuwe Kaart van Europisch Turkyen na de alderlaatste ontdekking in t licht gebracht'. Antique map of Greece with Crete and Cyprus, Turkey and the Black Sea. Publ...

Antique map titled 'Nieuwe Kaart van de Filippynsche, Ladrones, Moluccos of Specery Eilanden, als mede Celebes etc'. Old map of the Philippines and part of Indonesia. Originates ...

Antique map titled 'Leoverdia.' Bird's-eye view plan of Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands. With key to locations and coats of arms. Text in Dutch on verso. This plan origina...

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...

Holy Land Divided Among the Twelve Tribes – Six-Part Map by Jan Jansson and Georgius Hornius, circa 1658 This rare and impressive six-sheet engraved map of the Holy Land was publish...

Antique Map of Tibet and Region West of Turfan by D’Anville, Paris, 1737 This finely engraved map is one of the detailed sheets from Jean-Baptiste Bourguignon d’Anville’s Carte géné...

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...

Decorative early 18th century engraved map of Switzerland. Title: Helvetia Conterminarumq terra rum antiqua. Translated from Latin: Switzerland is an ancient land Description: Switzerland, antique copperplate engraved map with hand coloring and a decorative title cartouche. Two figures greatly enhances visual appeal. Author: Phillip Cluver, or Philip Cluverius, Philipp Clüver, Latinized as Philippus Cluverius studied law in Leiden and settled over there in 1615. We only sell Guaranteed Absolutely Original authentic Maps and Prints. A Certificate of Authenticity ( COA ) will be supplied on request. We ship our antique maps and prints...

Title: Mauritius, Banda Islands, Ternate and Tuban – Orlers, Leiden 1610 Antique print from Jan Janszoon Orlers’ Den Nassauschen Lauren-Crans, published in Leiden in 1610 and engrav...

1585 Mercator map of Ireland, entitled "Irlandiae Regnvm." Hand Colored Description: Published in Amsterdam by Mercator/Hondius ca. 1585. Artists and Engravers: 1585 Mercator map of Ireland, entitled "Irlandiae Regnvm." Copperplate engraving on verge type hand laid paper with watermark. Description: Published in Amsterdam by Mercator/Hondius ca. 1585.Artists and Engravers: Mercator was born in Rupelmonde in Flanders and studied in Louvain under Gemma Frisius, Dutch writer, astronomer and mathematician. The excellence of his work brought him the patronage of Charles V, but in spite of his favor with the Emperor he was caught up in the persecution of Lutheran protestants and charged with heresy, fortunately without serious consequences. No doubt the fear of further persecution influenced his move in 1552 to Duisburg, where he continued the production of maps, globes and instruments. Mercator's sons and grandsons, were all cartographers and made their contributions in various ways to his atlas. Rumold, in particular, was responsible for the complete edition in 1595. The map plates...

Antique Map of Arabia – Isaak Tirion’s “Nieuwe Kaart van Arabia,” Amsterdam c.1730 This finely detailed 18th-century map, titled “Nieuwe Kaart van Arabia,” was published in Amsterda...

17th Century Map of Southern Portugal by Sanson – Hand-Colored, 1679 This stunning 1679 map of Portugal offers a captivating glimpse into the past, showcasing the country's geograph...

Antique map titled 'Asia Dividida em suas Regioens & Principaes Estados'. Rare and uncommon map of Asia. Signed '1739'. Source unknown, to be determined. ...

Antique print, titled: 'De Stadt Saccai. La Ville de Saccai.' - ('The City Saccai'). This plate shows a view of Sakai in the Osaka Prefecture, Japan. Sakai has been one of the la...

Title: Zevenwolden, Friesland – von Reilly antique map, 1791 Fine late-18th-century engraved map of the region of Zevenwolden in Friesland, the Netherlands. Published in 1791 for Fr...

1782 Bayly Map of the East Indies – India, Siam, Philippines, Java, Borneo, Ganges This finely engraved and vibrantly hand-colored map titled 'A New Map of the East Indies' was dr...

Hand-Colored Dutch Map of Ancient Israel Divided by the Twelve Tribes – After Ezekiel, c.1730 This beautifully hand-colored antique map is titled "Ontwerp en Erfdeeling van’t Land K...

Title: Etats Due Grand-Seigneur En Asie, Empire De Perse, Pays Des Usbecs, Arabie et Egypte . . . 1753 Detailed map of the Turkish Empire, extending to the Black Sea, Georgia, the...

Antique print titled 'Elevation to the Thames of Thomas Wyndham Esqr. at Hammersmith Middlesex (..)'. View of Thomas Wyndham's Palace, Middlesex. This print originates from 'Vitruviu...

Antique map titled 'Chart of the World, according to Mercators Projection'. This world map shows the various discoveries of Captain James Cook during his 3 voyages between 1768 and 1780, and the English and French Explorers who followed immediately thereafter, including Vancouver and La Perouse. This edition of the map is significantly revised from the editions issued immediately after the official report of Cook's Voyages were integrated into the map, showing better detail in New Zealand, Australia, the Northwest Coast of America and North East coast of Asia, along with Greenland. A new large lake also appears for the first time in the Western part of North America, shortly before the commencement of the Lewis...

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 print titled 'Elevation of the Flank of Sir Gregory Page'. Architectural elevation of the residence of Sir Gregory Page. Sir Gre...

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...

Imaginary Plan of Jerusalem by Blome after Villalpando, 1689 This impressive antique engraving presents an imaginary plan of Jerusalem by Richard Blome, published in 1689. The engra...

1773 Bellin map of Persia, Gujarat and Malabar coasts with Arabia and Maldives Description: This finely engraved and delicately hand-colored 18th-century map titled Kaart van de Kusten van Persië, Guzaratte en Malabar was produced by the eminent French cartographer Jacques-Nicolas Bellin and engraved by Jakob van der Schley. It was published in 1773 in Amsterdam by E. van Harrevelt and D. Changuion, as part of a Dutch edition of Bellin’s maritime atlas focused on the East Indies and the Indian Ocean. The map presents the coastline bordering the Arabian Sea, extending from the Persian Gulf and parts of the Arabian Peninsula to the shores of Gujarat and the Malabar Coast in southwestern India. It provides a detailed representation of the coastlines of Persia (modern-day Iran), the western coast of India, and a portion of southern Arabia including the Oman Peninsula. Coastal towns, rivers, ports, and geographical landmarks are clearly labeled, including prominent trading centers like Surat, Goa, Calicut, Cochin, and Cape Comorin (now Kanyakumari). Additionally, the map shows the Laccadive Islands (Laka Dives) and the Maldives (Maldivische Eilanden), with attention to navigational details such as shoals, sandbanks, and anchor points. A large compass rose and clear latitude and longitude markings enhance its utility as a navigational aid. A highly decorative title cartouche at lower left features maritime iconography such as sea creatures, a fountain, and shells. An inset legend beneath the map provides explanations in Dutch for the symbols used to indicate bays, capes, ports, forts, islands, and towns. This is a copperplate engraving printed on laid paper with full original hand coloring. It retains its original fold lines as issued. The condition is generally good, with minor age toning and a few light spots in the margins. No repairs or restoration are visible. The paper is strong, and the impression remains crisp and clear. This historical map is a significant and attractive example of 18th-century European cartography, especially valued for its depiction of maritime trade regions and coastal geography during the age of exploration and colonial expansion. To frame this 1773 Bellin map attractively and safely: - Use acid-free matting in a neutral tone like cream or antique white - Consider double matting with a subtle inner color that complements the map - Choose a simple wooden frame in walnut, cherry, or aged oak for a classic look - Use UV-protective glass or acrylic to prevent fading - For a full display, consider float mounting to show the edges and fold lines - Allow 2 to 3 inch mat margins to balance the composition and enhance presentation Keywords: Bellin map 1773, van der Schley, Persia coast map, Gujarat map, Malabar map...

Title: 18th-Century Map of the Eastern Roman Empire by Henri Chatelain, c. 1719 Description: This intricately detailed map, titled *Nouvelle Carte pour Servir à l'Histoire de l'Empi...

Ancient Map of Palestine or the Holy Land by D'Anville (1767) This detailed map, created by the renowned French cartographer Jean Baptiste Bourguignon d'Anville in 1767, depicts the...

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...

Java and Bali with Borneo Coast – 18th Century French Colonial Map This original copperplate engraved map titled "Deuxième Carte des Isles de la Sonde" offers a rare and valuable 18...

This finely detailed antique map presents the southern portion of India, engraved in the 18th century by the renowned French cartographer Jean-Baptiste Bourguignon d’Anville. It de...

Promised Land of Canaan – Antique Map of Israel with Biblical Scenes, van Jagen This remarkable antique map titled Het beloofde landt Canaan doorwandelt...

Antique map titled 'Totius Terrae Sanctae Delineatio'. Map of the Holy Land extending to Egypt and showing the route of the Children of Israel in their e...

Antique map titled 'Carte de Normandie (..)'. Attractive map of Normandy, France. it depicts the former French Duchy of Normandy, covers the region fro...

This striking original antique map, titled "Rhenus Fluviorum Europae celeberrimus," showcases the historic Rhine River region, a vital artery of European trade, culture, and history....

Map of Le Maine by H. Hondius, 1633, Hand-Colored, Decorative and Historic This rare and beautifully executed antique map titled 'Le Maine' was published in 1633 by Henricus Hondius...

Blaeu Map of Karst, Carniola, Istria, and Trieste, circa 1640 This is an original antique map titled “Karstia, Carniola, Histria et Windorum Marchia,” published by Willem Blaeu in Amsterdam circa 1640. The map depicts the historical regions of Karst (Karstia), Carniola (modern-day Slovenia), Istria (the peninsula shared by Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy), and the Windic March, a medieval border territory. The engraving shows detailed place names, rivers, mountains, and settlements across present-day Slovenia, northeastern Italy, and northwestern Croatia. The Gulf of Trieste is prominently illustrated at the lower left, with Trieste labelled and coastal settlements clearly indicated. The Adriatic Sea is elegantly engraved with stippled waters, a compass rose, rhumb lines, and a sailing ship, enhancing its decorative maritime appeal. In the upper left corner is a beautifully designed cartouche bearing the title within a scrollwork frame with foliage and drapery motifs. The lower left includes a mileage scale in Italian miles and a dedication to Guiljelmus Blaeu excudit, confirming its publication from the Blaeu workshop. Willem Janszoon Blaeu (1571–1638) was one of the leading Dutch cartographers of the early 17th century, succeeded by his son Joan Blaeu. Their maps were known for their precision, aesthetic engraving, and clarity, making the Blaeu atlases the most prestigious publications of the Dutch Golden Age. Condition: Good condition. Strong, clean impression on laid paper with wide margins. Light age toning and faint foxing in blank margins, minor creasing along the original centre fold as issued. No tears or repairs noted. Fully suitable for framing. Framing tips: Frame this map in a thin black, walnut, or gilt frame to enhance its historic character. Use an off-white or cream archival mat to highlight the detailed engraving and preserve the sheet edges. UV-protective glazing is recommended to protect the paper and ensure its clarity and integrity over time. Keywords: Here are short keyword blocks formatted for direct copy-pasting into your website SEO or 1stdibs tags: karst map, carniola map, istria map, trieste map, blaeu map, willem blaeu, 17th century map, dutch cartography, antique balkan map, slovenia antique map, croatia antique...