Indonesia, East Indies, Celebes

Antique Views of the East Indies & Celebes (Indonesia)

This category presents original antique views and prints depicting the East Indies and Celebes (Sulawesi), key regions within the Indonesian archipelago that drew the attention of European explorers, merchants and artists during the age of maritime trade. Historic images often focus on harbour scenes, coastal landmarks, tropical landscapes and island settlements, reflecting the priorities of navigation and commerce in this rich and diverse region.

Many prints derive from field sketches made during exploratory, trading or colonial voyages, later reproduced as engravings or lithographs in atlases, travel accounts and geographic works. These views capture both natural environments and built environments—ports, towns and fortifications—that were central to early Southeast Asian engagement with European powers.

Antique views of the East Indies and Celebes are prized for their historical context, scenic interest and ability to convey the visual character of a region integral to early global trade networks. As original period works on paper, they offer collectors and historians significant insight into Indonesia’s past.