Insulae Indiae Orientalis Praecipuae, In quibus Moluccae celeberrime sunt

Coloured map of Southeast Asia. Printed in Amsterdam by Henricus Hondius in 1633.

Reference 12777

Description

The Most Elegant and Decorative Map of the Region (Thomas Suarez)

This map by the Dutch mapmaker Jodocus Hondius depicts the European knowledge of the East Indies, which became increasingly important to Europe from the early 16th century onward. It specifically focuses on the valuable Spice Islands, an area that was not well understood at the time. This map was one of the most detailed representations of the East Indies during that period and was notable for being one of the few regional maps to mention Francis Drake's landings in the area.

The map covers the region from the Philippines to Timor and from Sumatra to New Guinea. The title cartouche in the upper right corner includes a portion of China. A compass rose is situated in the lower left corner, connected to another compass rose in the eastern portion of the map by rhumb lines. In the upper right corner, there is a vivid depiction of a battle between two European ships, illustrating the intense competition for control in this region during the early modern period. The map marks the sandbanks and shoals surrounding the islands, as well as major settlements on the islands. A scale in the lower right corner partially obscures the coast of New Guinea, while a decorative text box in the sea east of the Philippines highlights the abundance of spices available in the Moluccas Islands, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.

The map also references other explorers. Of particular significance is the comment "Huc Franciscus Dra. Appulit," which appears near the unknown southern coast of Java, indicating Drake's landing during his circumnavigation from 1577 to 1580. Hondius, the mapmaker, had firsthand knowledge of Drake's voyage, as he was a religious refugee in London from 1583 to 1592 and acquainted with the navigator.

Details

Cartographer	Jodocus Hondius
Title	Insulae Indiae Orientalis Praecipuae, In quibus Moluccae celeberrime sunt
Publisher, Year	Henricus Hondius, Amsterdam, 1633
Plate Size	34.3 x 47.3 cm (13.5 x 18.6 inches)
Sheet Size	47.9 x 56.7 cm (18.9 x 22.3 inches)
Reference	Van der Krogt, P.: Koeman's Atlantes Neerlandici, 8500:1A; Suarez, T.: Early Mapping of Southeast Asia, p. 193, Fig. 112.

Condition

Excellent condition.

Cartographer

Jodocus Hondius was born 1563 in Wakken (West Flanders). He became a globe maker and map engraver. In 1593 he set up his business in Amsterdam after he spent several years in London. He was one of the most important engravers of his time and engraved maps for van den Keere, Waghenaer and Speed. Hondius bought the plates of Mercator in 1604, added around 40 maps and published the expanded Mercator-Atlas first 1606 still under Mercator's name. After his death 1612 in Amsterdam, the business was carried out by his sons Jodocus II and Henricus.

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Jodocus Hondius: Insulae Indiae Orientalis Praecipuae, In quibus Moluccae celeberrime sunt.

Coloured map of Southeast Asia. Printed in Amsterdam by Henricus Hondius in 1633.

Southeast Asia - Hondius, Jodocus - Insulae Indiae Orientalis Praecipuae, In...