Batavia Bastion Perl – Antique Optical Print of Indonesia, c.1770

About this sheet

Optica View of Batavia Castle Bastion Perl, Indonesia, circa 1770

This is an original 18th-century hand-coloured optical print depicting a view of the Bastion Perl along the curtain wall of Batavia Castle (Kasteel Batavia), present-day Jakarta, Indonesia. The engraving shows a detailed and lively scene of Dutch colonial Batavia from the vantage point of the fortifications, looking over the canal with ships, houses, and distant mountainous landscapes.

The foreground features Dutch VOC officials and local figures walking along the fortification promenade shaded by palms and tropical vegetation. The canal is animated with boats bearing Dutch flags, while ducks swim near small floating structures, possibly used for duck farming or fishing. Elegant two-storey colonial houses with shuttered windows line the left bank, and the bastion walls with their defensive architecture frame the right side.

At the top margin is the reversed French title “Vüe de la Bastion Perl du Batavie,” indicating its use as an optical print for viewing through a zograscope or optical viewing box. The German title below reads: “Prospect von der Bastion Perl längst der Courtine des Castells Batavia gezeichnet,” describing the exact vantage point within the castle’s defensive layout.

This print was published circa 1770 as part of European optica series that presented exotic city views and architectural scenes from Asia, Africa, and the Americas to curious European audiences. It combines cartographic precision with lively narrative detail, illustrating the Dutch East India Company’s headquarters and trading hub in Asia.

Condition:
Fair to good condition for age. Clean impression with vibrant hand colouring. Light overall age toning, faint foxing, and small stains and tears at margins, not affecting the main image. Minor handling creases. Tape support on the reverse around the borders. Fully suitable for framing.

Framing tips:
Frame this optical print in a gilt or dark wood frame to emphasise its historic and decorative value. Use an off-white or pale cream archival mat to highlight the colour contrasts and preserve the sheet edges. UV-protective glazing is recommended to protect the pigments from fading while ensuring clarity for display.