This engraving presents a perspective view of Batavia,

Colouring: Coloured

Confirmed: No

Description: This engraving presents a perspective view of Batavia, the Dutch colonial capital (modern-day Jakarta). Originally created by Jan Van Ryne, it first appeared in Robert Sayer's 1753 catalogue, Two Hundred and Six Perspective Views Adapted to the Diagonal Mirror, or Optical Pillar Machine (#197 in the 1780 edition). Van Ryne, born in the Netherlands, spent much of his career in London, specializing in engraving scenes from British and Dutch colonies.nDesigned for viewing with a zograscopea special device featuring a large convex lens and a mirrorthis engraving was intended to create a three-dimensional effect. Prints made for such devices, known as vues doptique or perspective views, required the image to be reversed left-to-right, as is evident with text. These perspective views were highly popular throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.nIn 1619, the Dutch captured the city of Jayakerta (meaning "glorious fortress" in Sundanese) and built the fortified township of Batavia, which became the administrative hub of the Dutch East Indies. Batavia played a pivotal role in monopolizing long-distance trade, particularly the flow of Chinese and Indian goods. This view features the Castle with its bastions at the centre, accompanied by VOC ships prominently displayed in the foreground.

First published: Two Hundred and Six Perspective Views Adapted to the Diagonal Mirror, or Optical Pillar Machine London: Robert Sayer, 1754

Mapmaker: Ryne, Jan van (1712-1760)

Notes: Purchase details

Primary Category: Southeast Asia

Rarity: R3 Uncommon – dealers can usually obtain a copy

Technique: Copper Engraving

This state: 1754

Website: See also https://www.abebooks.com/art-prints/lIsle-ville-Batavia-appartenent-H…