Map of the Environs of Batavia - Bellin c.1750

Title: Carte des Environs de Batavia, avec la Vuë de cette Ville (Map of the Environs of Batavia, with a View of this City) Cartographer: Jacques-Nicolas Bellin (1703–1772) Engraver: Guillaume Dheulland Published: Paris, c. 1750 Technique: Copperplate engraving with hand-coloring Description: A visually striking 18th-century work by the renowned French hydrographer Jacques-Nicolas Bellin. This item is unique because it offers two perspectives in one: a detailed topographical map of the VOC capital’s surroundings and a panoramic maritime view of the city’s skyline as seen from the sea. The map details the extensive network of canals, fortifications, and agricultural "jardins" (gardens) that defined the Dutch colonial landscape. It provides a fascinating look at the engineering required to maintain a European-style city in the tropics. Key Features: The Panoramic View: At the top of the print, a coastal profile shows Dutch merchant ships in the harbor against a backdrop of the city's red-roofed buildings and the volcanic mountains of Java in the distance. Jacatra: Just southeast of the fortified city center, the map specifically labels "Jacatra," acknowledging the indigenous roots of the site that predated the Dutch settlement. Economic Landscape: The map identifies "Cannes de Sucre" (sugarcane) and "Champ de Riz" (rice fields), illustrating the commercial activities that fueled the colonial economy. Ornate Cartouche: A beautiful Rococo-style title cartouche in the lower right adds a high degree of decorative elegance.