Science & Education · 18th century
€ 340
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
condition with strong original hand coloring. Clean margins, minor faint toning near edges, and sharp impression. Plate mark visible around each image.
Dutch Colonial Views of Batavia – Diestpoort and the Castle with Laboratory, c.1780
This hand-colored copper engraving features two finely rendered views of Batavia (now Jakarta), the capital of the Dutch East Indies, as it appeared in the late 18th century. These scenes were created by the Dutch artist J. van Schley after a drawing by J. Rach, and published circa 1780 as part of a Dutch illustrated travel or historical account documenting the VOC (Dutch East India Company) colonies in Asia.
The top view is titled *De Diestpoort te Batavia*, depicting the Diest Gate, one of the city's principal entrances. A prominent palm tree dominates the foreground, while behind it unfolds a vibrant townscape with Dutch-style buildings, a church spire, bridges, and local residents engaged in everyday activities. European and native figures mix in the lively setting, reflecting Batavia’s multicultural character as a colonial trading hub.
The bottom view, *’t Kasteel te Batavia en het Laboratorium*, shows the Castle of Batavia—an important VOC fortification and administrative center—along with its adjacent laboratory. The composition presents a mix of local life and military presence: a Dutch soldier on horseback, workers near the waterfront, families, ships, and architecture typical of both European and Southeast Asian styles. The Dutch flag flies visibly above the fort, emphasizing colonial authority.
These engravings are based on original drawings by Johannes Rach (1720–1783), a Danish artist who lived in Batavia and documented its people, architecture, and environment with precision. The engraver Jacobus van der Schley (1715–1779) was known for his detailed interpretations of such scenes for printed books. These views are particularly valuable for their historical documentation of urban colonial life in the Dutch East Indies.
Condition: Good condition with strong original hand coloring. Clean margins, minor faint toning near edges, and sharp impression. Plate mark visible around each image.
Framing tips: Displayed together in a vertical double mat within a single frame, or separated and framed individually, these prints are well suited to colonial or maritime interiors. Use a warm-toned wooden frame and off-white or cream matting to highlight the tropical landscape and historic detail.
Technique: Copper engraving with original hand coloring
Maker: After Johannes Rach, engraved by Jacobus van der Schley, published c.1780, Netherlands
