ABOUT THE WORK

A Fine Decorative Map of the East Indies from the Mercator-Hondius Atlas. The 1613 Mercator-Hondius map puts the Philippines at the very center of Asia. It showcases European knowledge of the East Indies, an area of increasing importance to Europe from the early sixteenth century onwards. The focus is on the lucrative Spice Islands, a region of great importance, but one about which little is known at the time. The map was the most detailed rendering of the East Indies at the time. The map’s coverage extends from the Philippines to Timor and from Sumatra to New Guinea. The title cartouche in the upper left corner covers part of China. A quarter compass rose is tucked into the lower left corner, which is connected with rhumb lines to a complete compass rose in the eastern portion of the map. A lively battle is being carried on in the upper right corner. It shows two ships--Spanish and Dutch-- firing at each other. It proclaims Spain’s naval might, manifested in the sea battle off Manila Bay between Admiral Olivier and Dr. Antonio de Morga in 1600.