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This map is from ‘Universus terrarum orbis scriptorum calamo delineatus’ by Alphonsus Lasor a Varea (pseudonym of Raffaello Savonarola (1680–1748), a monk who worked in the monastery library in Padua).

First published in Johann Ludwig Gottfried's ‘Newe Archontologia Cosmica’ in 1638, this map was based on a 1634 map by Willem Janszoon Blaeu. The cartouche features drawings of two men in ‘eastern’ clothing, holding septres, a sword and a shield.

Early 17th century map of Asia, with annotations in Latin naming the major countries, islands and cities. Maritime Southeast Asia is shown as an archipelago of many small islands.

The island of Java was initially labelled on this map as ‘Iaua Minor’ (Java Minor), but this was altered to ‘Iaua Maior’ (Java Major), reflecting the common confusion over the names at the time. Sumatra and Borneo were both similarly mis-labelled.

Early 17th century map of Asia, with annotations in Latin naming the major countries, islands and cities. Maritime Southeast Asia is shown as an archipelago of many small islands. French text on the reverse describes crops and animals of the region.

Latin text written on New Guinea explains that it is uncertain whether it is an island or part of ‘Australis’ (‘southern land’) a name that was used for a continent thought to exist in the region (and after which Australia was eventually named).