Old Map of Bali by Schley, 1770: Ville de Baly, Palaces, Compass Roses, Mountains, Rivers

The "Ile de Baly ou Petite Java" map, crafted by the esteemed Jacob Van Schley in 1770, is a captivating glimpse into the cartographic artistry of the 18th century. Schley, renowned for his detailed and artistic maps, published this piece in Amsterdam, capturing the allure of Bali during a time when European explorers were charting the exotic East Indies. The map is a testament to the Age of Discovery, reflecting the era's thirst for knowledge and adventure, and it stands as a beautiful relic of European exploration in Southeast Asia.

This map is a masterpiece of design, featuring intricate compass roses and artistic embellishments that are characteristic of the period. It draws inspiration from an earlier map by Willem Lodewijcksz, who participated in Cornelius de Houtman's pioneering voyage to the East Indies between 1595 and 1597. The detailed representation of Bali's geography, including its coastal outlines, mountains, and rivers, offers a fascinating look at how the island was perceived by European explorers of the time.

Significant political and cultural landmarks are meticulously marked, with the palaces of the King prominently displayed, indicating the island's centers of power. The inclusion of a key or legend provides clarity to the map's rich tapestry of place names and features, while illustrations of a palace and a temple add a layer of visual intrigue. These elements not only enhance the map's aesthetic appeal but also serve as historical markers of Bali's significance in trade and exploration.

The map's depiction of Bali, known then as "Petite Java," highlights the island's strategic importance in the region. It features several towns and settlements, such as Ville de Baly and Cap de Perrue, each marked with care and precision. These settlements, along with the detailed physical geography, paint a vivid picture of the island as it was understood by Europeans in the 18th century, showcasing Bali's allure and mystique.

In essence, this map is more than just a navigational tool; it is a window into a world of exploration and cultural exchange. It captures the imagination with its blend of artistry and historical context, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Bali's past. For collectors and enthusiasts of historical cartography, Jacob Van Schley's map is a treasure that embodies the spirit of discovery and the enduring allure of distant lands.

Cities and towns on this map

• Bali:
• Ville de Baly
• Cap de Perrue
• Debruit de Baly
• Debruit de Ballabhaan
• Cordisan
• Capua
• Condan

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Palaces of the King: Multiple palaces are marked, indicating political centers.
• Compass Roses: Decorative compass roses are included for navigation.
• Illustrations: Includes illustrations of a palace and a temple, adding visual interest.
• Geographic Features: Coastal outlines, mountains, and rivers are depicted.
• Key/Legend: Provides names for important locations and features.

Historical and design context

• Creation date: 1770
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Jacob Van Schley, known for detailed and artistic maps.
• Historical context: Based on a map from the late 17th century by Willem Lodewijcksz, linked to Cornelius de Houtman's voyage to the East Indies (1595-97).
• Themes and topics: Reflects European exploration and mapping of Southeast Asia during the Age of Discovery.
• Design/Style: Detailed cartographic representation with artistic embellishments typical of the 18th century.
• Significance: Illustrates European interest in Southeast Asia and the importance of Bali in trade and exploration.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 40in (100cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.