17th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

AUTHOR: NALSON, John. TITLE: A True Copy Of The Journal Of The High Court of Justice, For The Tryal of K. Charles I. As it was Read in the House of Commons, And Attested under the ...

This is a deluxe edition in two volumes which does justice to the splendour of this incomparable collection. This collection has never before been the subject of such an important wo...

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...

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...

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...

A beautiful Late Baroque Box used for Chess/Backgammon and Nine Men’s Morris Game pieces. Rich interior and exterior decorated with different types of wood, including olive, walnut and birch. Late 17th Century/Early 18th Century. This charming games box features intarsia of wood veneer in several different types wood. The top of the box is a chess board decorated with three types of wood. The opposite side of the box is a board for Nine Men's Morris, an antique playing...

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...

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....

Cross of caravaca xvii century Very beautiful cross of Caravaca made in bronze. 17th century. Measurements: 12 x 6cm Good condition.

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...

Antique Map of Slavonia, Croatia, Bosnia and Dalmatia by Janssonius, circa 1640 This elegant and detailed map titled Sclavonia, Croatia, Bosnia cum Dalmatiae Parte was published by ...

An exceptional 17th-century Tuscan holy water font, finely carved from luminous Carrara marble, this Baroque marble basin exemplifies the craftsmanship and devotion of Italy’s sacred...

Description: Crucifix in rosewood with Jesus in silver, Christian symbols and resting on three feet. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Mark: Absent. Weight: 308.35 grams. Dimensions...

AUTHOR: BARCLAY, Robert. TITLE: An Apology for the True Christian Divinity, as the Same Is Held Forth, and Preached by the People, Called, in Scorn, Quakers. PUBLISHER: [Aberdeen(...

Seminal guide to the East and West Indies, with 42 double-page and folding plates, including 6 maps, all engravings beautifully coloured by a contemporary hand LINSCHOTEN, Jan Huygh...

Antique world map titled 'Mappe-Monde dressee sur les Observations de Mrs. de l'Academie Royale des Sciences (..)'. Beautiful original antique world map...

An elegant 19th-century Ottoman Jambiya, richly decorated with intricate silver inlay and highlighted with the deep black sheen of traditional niello work. Both the sheath and the fo...

1683 Map of Japan Isles by Mallet – Decorative Miniature Map This is an original antique map titled “Isles du Japon,” created by Alain Manesson Mallet and published in Paris in 1683...

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...

A Thai bronze head of the Buddha. Sukothai period, late 16th-early 17th century. His face with serene expression, arched eyebrows above incised eyes a...

This 1667 map titled "Patriarchatus Constantinopolitani Geographica Descriptio" was crafted by renowned French cartographer Melchior Tavernier, who was a prominent map engraver during the 17th century. This rare and historically significant map focuses on the territories under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, one of the most important centers of the Eastern Orthodox Church. It covers regions around the Black Sea (Pontus Euxinus), parts of Greece, and adjacent areas in Asia Minor and the Balkans, which were historically vital during the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. The map is filled with ancient place names, making it a valuable resource for both historical and cartographic enthusiasts. Key Features: - Antique ecclesiastical map illustrating the influence of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople in the 17th century. - Features beautifully detailed ancient coastlines, rivers, and terrains, providing a comprehensive geographical view of the region. - Rich with historic place names - like Byzantium, Nicomedia, Nicaea, Cyzicus, Bithynia, Pontus, Macedonia, and Thrace - that date back to the classical era, offering insights into the ancient geography of the eastern Mediterranean. - A finely engraved strapwork cartouche in the lower right corner with Baroque-style decoration, featuring two putti (cherubic figures) – a hallmark of 17th-century map art. - The map extends to include the Mediterranean Sea (Mare Mediterraneum) to the south and the Black Sea to the north, highlighting its ecclesiastical and geopolitical significance. - Original hand coloring may still be present, enhancing the decorative appeal for collectors of antique maps. This rare map offers a unique perspective on the religious influence and historical geography of the Eastern Mediterranean during the late 17th century. It would appeal to collectors interested in: - **Byzantine history** - **Ottoman Empire** - **Eastern Orthodox Church** - **Antique cartography...

Rare 1699 Map of the Failed Scottish Colony of Caledonia in Panama This scarce and historically fascinating map, titled 'The Scots Settlement in America or New Caledonia A.D. 1699',...

AUTHOR: CAMDEN, William. TITLE: The Historie of the Life and Death of Mary Stuart Queene of Scotland. PUBLISHER: London: by John Haviland, and are to be sold by William Sheares, 1...

Map of Blaisois by Janssonius, 1633, Decorative Antique Map of Loire Valley This finely detailed and colorfully embellished map titled 'Description du Blaisois' was published in 163...

This beautiful duo of holy water vessels come from an Italian church. A unique set that has been used over time. One has slightly more pale discoloration than the other. They are ...

Map of Cape Verde and the Mouth of the River Niger by Coronelli, 1691 This finely engraved map, titled "Bocche del Fiume Negro et Isole di Capo Verde," was created in 1691 by Vincen...

A devotional shrine, a Memento Mori, crafted from fruitwood with two juxtaposed panels hinged at the base, and crowned with a metal flame. The back features a hole for the nail used ...

AUTHOR: HABINGTON, William. TITLE: The Historie Of Edward The Fourth, King Of England. PUBLISHER: London: by Tho. Cotes, for William Cooke, 1640. DESCRIPTION: FIRST EDITION. 1 vo...

Antique Map: Cenomanorum Galliae regionis typus vulgo le Mans – Blaeu, circa 1640 This beautifully engraved and hand-colored map depicts the historical province of Maine in northw...

Temptations of San Antonio Abad. Oil on canvas. 17th century, following the model of David Teniers II (Antwerp, 1610-Brussels, 1690). Oil on canvas showing a figurative scene located inside a cave. To the right, you can see a cross standing, supported; to the left, a hut; and in the center of the painting appears an elderly, bearded man, leaning on a table on which there is a ceramic jug and a skull, with an open book at the foot of it. The man looks towards a woman, who points to something outside, and appears accompanied by a large frog and a series of ghostly beings or monsters dressed in brightly colored cloth and clothing. San Antonio Abad or Antonio Magno (251-356) was a Christian monk, considered the founder of the eremitical movement. He was tempted numerous times by the devil while he was in the desert, becoming a subject frequently represented in art (as can be seen in this oil painting). He is represented in a black habit because the Order of the Knights of the Hospital of San Antonio (Hospitals) was placed under his patronage, being the color of the habits of the members of this order (the tau or Egyptian cross was also the symbol chosen by they). David Teniers II or El Joven was a prominent Flemish painter and engraver, son of David Teniers El Viejo or I and father of David Teniers III, much appreciated at the time for his scenes of villagers and common people, his paintings of monkey painters, etc. . He dealt with the theme of the Temptations of Saint Anthony...

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...

17th Century Dutch Book, Oost-Indien, 1694 by Frikius, Hesse and Schweitzer, Simon de Vries Dutch translation by Simon de Vries of the accounts of three Ge...

This miniature map of the East Indies and Nova Guinea was created by Abraham Ortelius and published in 1601 as part of the "Epitome" by Giovanni Battista Vrients. It is a finely hand...

Antique map titled 'Exactissima Tabula, qua tam Danubii Fluvii Pars Superior'. Detailed map covering the region of northern Italy, Austria, Slovenia and Croatia. The course of th...

MUSEUM PERFECTION ! AZTEC INFLUENCED LATIN AMERICAN COLONIAL ART AMAZINGLY RARE PIECE ! Approx. 14" x 8" x 2 1/2" After Hernán Cortés conquered the Aztec empire, painting and sculpture schools were set up within missions to produce art for Roman Catholic worship in Spanish America to promote Christian evangelization. The works that emerge from this period are great historic treasures and tell us much about this time in history. Icons were important in this conversion process. Here is an Imagene that was likely employed in a church from the 17th century. It features 5 elaborately carved faces and figures depicting angels and saints. This piece is magnificent for many reasons, but the most important reason is that this piece illustrates the bridge between the Spanish and Aztec art schools. The Aztecs had developed the most splendid feather art in the world. Feather mosaics (arte plumario in Spanish, amantecayotl in Nahuatl), were created by specially trained and talented Aztec nobles. The blue green iridescent color of hummingbird feathers had made them a regular form of tribute to Aztec rulers and art that featured these feathers were incomparable. The Spanish art instructors adopted feathers into traditional Catholic imagery and this piece shows the result of such hybrid. Here feathers are prominently sculpted into the background and were polychromed with sensational hues to reflect the native love and cultural appreciation for feather art. Few feather mosaics survive because of their temporal frailty, but the wood worked feathers in this piece give scholars and collectors a lasting indication of how Aztecs stylistically used the feathers in their pieces. Aztec religious leaders wore headdresses and garments made of feathers - and here these saints appear to be wearing feather headdresses! Even after centuries, the colors of this piece are incredibly compelling. Fragments of the rich blue green pigment that was applied to mimic the hummingbird feathers are still present. The golds, yellows and browns display spectacular understanding of complementary colors. What's more this piece also shows Aztec sun imagery incorporated into the design! On the reverse side of the Saints' faces we see a vivid blue sun burst type design which clearly was an Aztec motif of the period and has no comparable counterpart in Catholic holy treasures...

Antique map titled 'Novissima et Perfectissima Africae (..)'. Beautiful large map of Africa. This is the 3rd state of the map, with climate notation add...

Antique print China titled ‘Interior aulae Imperatoriae facies'. Antique print of the Imperial Palace in Peking, China. This print originates from ...

AUTHOR: SHAKESPEARE, William. TITLE: The Works of William Shakespeare. (The London Prodigal) - page 217-218. PUBLISHER: London: Printed for H. Herringman, E. Brewster and R. Bentley, 1685. DESCRIPTION: THE FOURTH FOLIO. 217-218p., correctly-incorrectly numbered, 1 leaf extracted from the fourth folio, 13-3/4" x 9", good margins. CONDITION: A VERY GOOD leaf...

Description: Antique print, titled: 'Meleager in Aedibus Pichinys.' Statue of Meleager in Rome. In Greek mythology, Meleager was a hero venerated in his temenos at Calydon in Aetolia. He was already famed as the host of the Calydonian boar hunt in the epic tradition that was reworked by Homer. From the 1660 Dutch edition of 'Icones et Segmenta Nobil. Signorum et Statuarum quae Romae extant' by Francois Perrier...

Wonderful 17th century French Baroque cast iron figure of the Virgin praying. Likely originally part of an outdoor shrine as it has been exposed to the ...

Antique map titled 'Natoliae sive Asia Minor'. Original old map of Turkey, Asia Minor and Cyprus. Includes a decorative cartouches, sailing ship, sea mon...

Wooden altar of late 17thC richly decorated. Polychrome faux marble lacquer, embellished with carvings depicting putti with typical aesthetic characteristics of 17th-century Baroque....

Antique map titled 'Ins. Ceilan quae incolis Tenarisin dicitur'. This exquisite, early map of Sri Lanka is shown with an unusual five-sided shape. North is oriented to the left by an...

1653 map entitled "La Souverainete de Sedan et de Raucourt, et la Prevoste de Doncheri," Ric0011 Description: Lovely map centered on Sedan and Doncheri and the Meuze River fr...

Antique World Map with Astronomical Spheres by Pierre Mortier, Amsterdam, circa 1700 This fascinating antique world map titled "Carte générale du monde, ou description du monde terr...

Antique map titled 'Hellas seu Graecia Universa' Detailed map of Greece, with Crete, the Aegean Islands, and part of Turkey. With two cartouches, compass rose and scale. Carolus Alla...

A stunning 17th century "Mannequin De Presentation" from Northern Italy. Wonderfully constructed from polychromed wood with a very handsome face, articulating body and sulfur eyes. T...

Rare Antique print, titled: 'Cangoxuma.' A stunning bird's eye view of the coastal city Cangoxuma (Kagoshima) in Japan. It shows several boats in the harbour, as well as the ligh...

Rhine River & Tributaries Antique Map by Willem Blaeu, c.1640 This spectacular mid-seventeenth-century copper-engraved map, titled in Latin “Rhenus Fluvio...

A detailed map of a region in eastern Germany. Cartouches depict coat of arms surrounded by cherubs. The map is fully engraved with towns, political boundaries, rivers and forests. P...

Italian tabernacle from the last quarter of the 17th century made in: mercury-gilt bronze, silver, enamel and ebony- This spectacular tabernacle du...

Antique map titled 'Indiae Orientalis, nec non Insularum Adiacentium Nova Descriptio.' The map centers on the Strait of Malacca and Malay Peninsula. It extends from India and the Mal...

Le moyen de parvenir; oeuvre contenant la raison de tout ce qui a esté, est & sera : avec démonstrations certaines et nécessaires, selon la rencontre des effects de vertu . n.d. (ci...

Globe gore by Vincenzo Maria Coronelli shows the North Pole with the coasts of Canada, Greenland, Scandinavia and Siberia, and is decorated with pictorial scenes of bear, seal and wh...

Antique print, titled: 'De Heer en Mr. Theodorus van Bleyswijk, Hoogheemraadt, Regerendt Borgermeester der Stad Schiedam.' - Coat of arms of Theodorus van Bleiswijk, mayor of Sch...

Judaea or Terra Sancta, Twelve Tribes of Israel – Sanson Map, c.1680 This antique map depicts Judaea or the Holy Land divided among the Twelve Tribes of Israel, based on biblical ge...

Antique map titled 'Biscaia, Guipiscoa, Navarra et Asturias de Santillana'. Charming map of Northeastern Spain with the areas of Pamplona and Valladolid. This map originates from 'At...

Description: Antique map titled 'Novissima et Accuratissima Totius Russiae vulgo Muscoviae Tabula'. Antique map of Western Russia and Ukraine, published by Justus Danckerts. The ma...

Antique print with two views of Alexandria, Egypt. This print originates from 'Reizen van Cornelis de Bruyn, door de vermaardste deelen van Klein Asia, de eylanden Scio, Rhodus, Cypr...

Antique print titled 'Slooten - Ylst - Worcum - Hinloopen'. Three plans and a bird's eye view on one sheet. The plans show the Frisian cities Sloten, IJlst, Workum and the view shows...