Insulae Indiae Orientalis Praecipuae ...
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A particularly attractive example of one of the most sought-after Dutch maps of South-East Asia. This important map was one of the first atlas maps to focus on the islands of today's Indonesia with the Philippines, Sumatra, Borneo and the Celebes all clearly defined, and Java and New Guinea lacking southern extremities. The complex nature of the innumerable island groups is hinted at. This was an area becoming of increasing interest to the Dutch through their East India Trading Company, the recently established V.O.C, and was also of interest to other European nations for the spices, hardwood and other exotic supplies abundant. The map was one of the new plates engraved for the Jodocus Hondius expanded edition of the Mercator "Atlas ...", 1606, and reflects the commencement of the period termed "The Golden Age of Dutch Cartography" with an elaborate and artistic approach to the map's presentation and design. Boldly engraved, with annotations providing further detail, large strapwork cartouches enclosing the titlepiece, mileage scales and a legend, whilst two naval ships are shown in a sea-fight at top right, all contribute to the decoration. With verso Latin text, this is a fine example.
region: Maps of South-East Asia |
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