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The islands on this map were central to conflicts between the European powers over the valuable spice trade of the Maluku or ‘Spice’ Islands. A sea battle between European ships is shown, and there are military forts marked in red on the islands.

A colourful 17th century map of Asia, with French text on the reverse describing the people and geography of the region.

This late 17th century map of the western Sunda Islands—Sumatra, Java and Borneo—is decorated with a colourful cartouche probably featuring the Greek god Poseidon and his wife Amphitrite. Cherubs play trumpets and ride on sea monsters.

French text on the reverse of this map of the eastern Sunda Islands describes the city of Macassar (modern Makassar) on Celebes (Sulawesi, Indonesia). Details include the city’s port, trade and crops, as well as its people and religion.

These two paintings show the port of Batavia (Jakarta) from the sea. The upper image focusses on the castle, while the lower image depicts a sea battle—possibly a 1618 battle between the British and Dutch—with the city in the background.