Johannes Janssonius (Dutch, 1588-1664), Indiae Orientalis Nova Descriptio

Johannes Janssonius (Dutch, 1588-1664) Indiae Orientalis Nova DescriptioAmsterdam: Johannes Janssonius, c. 1640Copperplate engravingPaper size: 18 1/4" x 21 1/2" Important early map of Southeast Asia and the Philippines as well as a landmark map in the mapping of Australia, first published by Jan Jansson in 1630. The detail in the Philippines and Southeast Asia is excellent for the period.The map is perhaps most important as the only Dutch printed map showing the 1606 discoveries of Willem Jansz, who in the Duyfken, is attributed as making the first recorded European discovery in Australia on Cape York Peninsula.To further develop its trade monopoly in the East Indies, the Dutch East India Company (V.O.C.) sought to discover and claim for their possession further land in the region. In 1605, the Dutchman in charge of trade, Jan Verschoor, was responsible for encouraging a voyage 'to discover the great land New Guinea and other unknown east and south lands'. The man appointed for the tr