Sketch of the Island of Java - Thorn 1815

Title: Sketch of the Island of Java Cartographer: Major William Thorn (1781–1843) Published: London, 1815 Technique: Large-format copperplate engraving (often found with light green wash/hand-coloring) Description: An expansive and rare early 19th-century panoramic map of Java, created during the brief period of British administration (1811–1816) under Sir Stamford Raffles. Major William Thorn, who served as the Deputy Quartermaster General, drafted this map to document the British military expedition that captured the island from Franco-Dutch forces. The map is prized for its extreme horizontal format, which allows for a comprehensive view of the entire island’s length, detailing the rugged central mountain spine and the vital North Coast Road (Great Post Road). Key Features: British Interregnum History: A rare cartographic record from the short window of British rule in Indonesia. Military Precision: Features detailed soundings along the coast and identifies military posts, reflecting Thorn's role in the campaign. Topographical Detail: Excellent rendering of the volcanic peaks of Java, which were of great interest to British naturalists like Raffles and Horsfield at the time.