Antique map of Java, Indonesia, 1753

The 1753 twin maps titled "Insulae Iavae Pars Occidentalis" and "Insulae Iavae Pars Orientalis", published by the eminent Dutch cartographer Gerard van Keulen and edited by Hadrianus Relandus, offer a richly detailed and scholarly representation of the island of Java—the heart of the Dutch East Indies during the 18th century. Together, these maps present an extraordinary division of western and eastern Java, capturing not only the island’s topography but also its cultural and geopolitical importance during the height of European colonial expansion in Southeast Asia.

Created during a period of Dutch maritime dominance, these maps reflect the precision and navigational sophistication of the Van Keulen publishing house, renowned for producing sea charts and atlases essential to the Dutch East India Company (VOC). The cartography showcases coastlines, harbors, river systems, mountain ranges, settlements, and native kingdoms, all meticulously labeled and annotated with Latin script. These features highlight the balance between geographic accuracy and scholarly ethnographic interest that characterized Relandus’s contributions.

In addition to navigational utility, these maps serve as intellectual artifacts, shaped by Enlightenment-era curiosity about distant lands. Relandus, a prominent orientalist and geographer, infused the maps with historical and cultural references, attempting to represent not just land but also the socio-political divisions and indigenous polities across Java. This scholarly overlay distinguishes them from purely mercantile charts.

Ornamental cartouches, scale bars, and decorative flourishes—often embellished with allegorical figures and maritime symbols—enrich the visual and historical appeal. These maps were intended for both practical use and as prestigious items in scholarly collections and merchant offices.