VOC Atlas of Africa and East Indies by J.W. Heydt, Homann Heirs, 1744
An important and richly illustrated 18th-century work documenting the Dutch East India Company’s global reach, 'Allerneuester Geographisch- und Topographischer Schau-Platz von Africa und Ost-Indien' was published in Nuremberg by Homann’s Heirs in 1744. Compiled and illustrated by Johann Wolfgang Heydt (1702–1750), the volume presents one of the most complete visual records of the VOC’s settlements, trade posts, and coastal territories across Asia and Africa.
Heydt, a German artist, architect, and surveyor, sailed to the East Indies as a VOC engineer, working in Ceylon, India, and Batavia (Jakarta). His firsthand observations formed the basis of this remarkable work. The atlas contains 116 engraved plates—maps, coastal profiles, city plans, and views—alongside detailed descriptive text. These include maps of the Indian Ocean, the coasts of Africa and Asia, and numerous Dutch settlements such as Batavia, Cochin, Ceylon, the Cape of Good Hope, and Nagasaki. Many engravings are based directly on Heydt’s original drawings, executed by A. Hoffer and others, offering a vivid glimpse into 18th-century trade, geography, and colonial architecture.
Published by the renowned cartographic house of Homann’s Erben, the work stands as both a geographical and artistic achievement, combining scientific accuracy with decorative baroque engraving. It is considered one of the principal German sources on VOC activities, complementing the great Dutch atlases of the period.
This copy retains 116 plates (lacking only the frontispiece and second title, as often the case) and remains in a contemporary full vellum binding. The engravings are sharp and well-printed, showing scenes of ships, fortresses, native peoples, and harbors from the Cape of Good Hope to Japan.
Condition report: A well-preserved example with some light foxing and mild soiling consistent with age. Small restored hole in the title page, minor toning near edges, and occasional faint spotting. Binding in contemporary vellum, slightly rubbed and stained but structurally sound. Overall a very good copy of this monumental VOC work.
Framing tips: Individual engravings from this volume, particularly those depicting Batavia, Ceylon, or the Cape, present beautifully when framed. They suit neutral or warm-toned mats (ivory, beige, or light ochre) and dark wooden or gilt frames to enhance the baroque linework.
Technique: Engraving on laid paper Maker: Johann Wolfgang Heydt, published by Homann’s Heirs, Nuremberg, 1744
Bartele Gallery. Original antique maps, sea charts, engravings and works on paper. This is a plain text rendering of a page that is otherwise built in the browser. The catalogue index is at https://www.bartele.net/catalogue and machine readable notes are at https://www.bartele.net/llms.txt.