Asia - De Wit c.1680

Title: Accuratissima totius Asiae Tabula Recens Emendata
Cartographer: Frederick de Wit
Published: Amsterdam, c. 1680
Technique: Copperplate engraving with original hand-coloring

Description: This magnificent map is a prime example of the "Golden Age" of Dutch cartography. Frederick de Wit, one of the most successful map publishers in Amsterdam, produced this detailed overview of the entire Asian continent. The map is renowned for its vibrant, original hand-coloring and its exquisite decorative cartouche in the lower left corner, which depicts a lively scene of Oriental merchants, camels, and exotic birds.

Geographically, the map shows the "Great Tartary" region, a vast and mysterious China, and a highly detailed Southeast Asian archipelago. Notably, it includes a fascinating early depiction of "Hollandia Nova" (the northern coast of Australia) at the bottom right. This piece is a perfect balance of scientific endeavor and high baroque art.

• Authenticity: Original 17th-century copperplate engraving.

• Historical Significance: Represents the peak of Dutch maritime knowledge and cartographic artistry during the late 1600s.

• Decorative Elements: Features a prominent and highly detailed ethnographic cartouche.