Abraham Ortelius – East Indies, 1570 Antique world maps HQ

This is a 16th-century map by Abraham Ortelius, titled Indiae Orientalis, Insularumque Adiacientium Typvs which translates to Map of the East Indies and Adjacent Islands. It depicts a vast area of Asia, stretching from India and Indochina in the west to Japan and potentially further east, encompassing Southeast Asia, the East Indies (modern-day Indonesia and the Philippines), and parts of China.

What I see:

• Geographical Representation: The map displays coastlines, islands, and major landmasses with varying degrees of accuracy for the time. Rivers are depicted as branching off from inland sources. Major cities are marked with small symbols, and some regions are colored differently for emphasis.
• Cartographic Details: The map is bordered by a decorative frame. Compass roses are present, indicating cardinal directions (Septentrio, Meridies, Oriens, Occidens). Latitude and longitude lines are also visible.
• Decorative Elements: Numerous mythical sea creatures, such as mermaids and sea monsters, populate the oceans, a common feature of maps from this era. Ships are also depicted, suggesting trade routes and maritime activity. There are also escutcheons with coats of arms, possibly indicating the sponsorship or origin of the map. One prominent escutcheon on the left displays the Portuguese coat of arms.
• Textual Information: The map is filled with place names written in Latin. Some sections include decorative cartouches with descriptive text, one of which is a large cartouche in the lower left corner with the title of the map, and another on the right with an inscription.

Subtexts:

• Exploration and Trade: The map is a product of the Age of Discovery, reflecting the growing European interest in the East Indies due to their valuable commodities like spices. The presence of Portuguese symbols specifically highlights their significant role in early exploration and trade in this region.
• Knowledge and Uncertainty: Ortelius was a renowned cartographer who compiled geographical knowledge from various sources. However, the map also clearly shows the limits of European geographical knowledge at the time. The depiction of mythical creatures and the less detailed representation of interior regions signify areas that were either unexplored or based on hearsay and legend.
• European Perspective and Claims: The inclusion of European coats of arms and the Latin script indicate the map was created from a European perspective, for a European audience. It reflects a desire to understand, document, and potentially claim territories and trade routes from afar. The Portuguese escutcheon directly suggests their dominion or influence in the depicted areas.
• Artistic and Ornamental Value: Beyond its practical use, the map also served as an object of art and prestige. The detailed illustrations, calligraphy, and decorative elements were intended to impress and convey the grandeur of the known world (and the unknown).
• The East Indie Concept: The term East Indies itself was a European construct grouping a vast and diverse region, often conflated in early European understanding. Orteliuss map attempts to provide a coherent visual overview of this perceived entity.