Acquired From: Leen Helmink
Colouring: Coloured
Condition: Very Good
Confirmed: 4/01/2025
Date Acquired: 28/8/2017
Dealers ID No.: 19155
Description: The map translated into English The Dutch East India Companys World-Famous Principal Trading and Settlement City of Batavia, in Asia, Located on the Great Island of Java in the Kingdom of Jacatra to the Northwest, Depicted According to Its Ground Plan and Prospect with Explanations of Some of Its Most Remarkable Features offers a fascinating portrayal of Batavia (present-day Jakarta) during its peak as a central hub for the Dutch East India Company (VOC). Created by the Homann Heirs, the successors of the renowned 18th-century German cartographer Johann Baptist Homann, the map highlights the city's strategic layout, economic significance, and cultural diversity, underscoring its status as one of the most important colonial cities of the era.nAn inscription in the top right corner (translated into English) provides historical context, describing Batavias origins and significance. Originally called Jacatra, the city is located at 128 degrees 42 minutes longitude and 6 degrees 10 minutes southern latitude, approximately 3,600 old Dutch nautical miles from Amsterdam and 12 miles from Bantam in Java. Founded by the Dutch in 1619, Batavia was renowned for its meticulous planning and formidable defenses, earning it the reputation of being the most regulated and strongest city in the Indies, having successfully withstood three sieges by Javanese kings. Its harbor, celebrated as the safest in the world, features a unique phenomenon where a north wind at 10 oclock each morning guides chaloupes to the city, while a south wind at 10 oclock each evening carries them back out to sea. This harbor served as the base for the VOCs treasures, housing 12,000 men and 50 ships at all times.nThe citys population reflected its cosmopolitan nature, consisting of Javanese, Chinese, Malays, Muslims, Malabars, as well as Dutch, French, and Portuguese residents. Languages spoken in Batavia included Dutch, Malay, Portuguese, and Chinese. As the seat of the governor-general overseeing all East Indian territories, Batavia was governed by four key institutions: the Dutch State Council, the VOC Great Council, the Bishops Chair, and the City Court.nThe maps numbered key identifies important sites, illustrating Batavias complex infrastructure. Additional details are provided through insets, such as Das Rath-Haus, which depicts the Council Chamber, a pivotal space for administrative governance. Another inset, titled Prospect des Castels von innen, mit des Herrn Gouverneur-Generals Bewachnung, showcases the Governor-Generals guardhouse, symbolizing the strong military presence that safeguarded Dutch interests.nAt the bottom of the map, an elaborately framed panorama titled Prospect von Batavia von der Morgan Seite anzusehen presents a stunning view of Batavia from the sea to the east. This scene captures the citys grandeur, featuring its castle, harbor works, and key public buildings against a mountainous backdrop, with ships of various nationalities dotting the harbor, symbolizing Batavias role as a bustling hub of international trade.
First published: Homann, Heirs Stadt-Atlas, oder: Schauplatz beruhmter Stadte, Vestungen, Prospeckte, Gegenden, Grundrisse, Belagerungen, etc.. Nuremburg, Homann Heirs, 1733
Image Size (cm): 56×47.5
Mapmaker: Homann, Heirs (Firm)
Price: 950
Primary Category: Southeast Asia
Purchase Reference: Ledger 2022
Rarity: R2 Very rare – one or two copies appear on the market
Sheet size (cm): 61×53
Technique: Copper Engraving
This state: 1733
Website: https://www.helmink.com/antique-map/19155/homann-map-of-batavia-1733-…
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