1616 Bertius Map of Sumatra, Singapore and the Straits of Malacca
US$931
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1616
Sheet size
12 × 19 cm (4.7 × 7.5 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13631
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
The map, never folded, is in very good condition, with light age-related browning at the margins and attractive old-time coloring. Latin text on the reverse. Study the images carefully.
About this sheet
This is an exquisite 1616 original antique map by Petrus Bertius, titled "Sumatra Insula," showcasing Sumatra and the southern tip of Malaysia, with a unique early depiction of Singapore as 'Sinca: pura'. Oriented with north to the right, it stands as one of the earliest detailed maps emphasizing the Straits of Malacca. The map, never folded, is in very good condition, with light age-related browning at the margins and attractive old-time coloring. Latin text on the reverse side adds to its historical allure, making it a remarkable piece for collectors.
Petrus Bertius was a Flemish philosopher, theologian, historian, geographer, and cartographer, known for his work in mathematics, historical, and theological areas. He published an edition of Ptolemy's "Geographia" and is recognized for his contributions to cartography. Bertius was born in 1565 in Flanders and fled to London with his family for religious reasons, later studying at the University of Leiden. He had a significant academic career but eventually moved to France, where he became the cosmographer to Louis XIII and converted to Catholicism. He passed away in Paris in 1629.
