Map of Formosa (Taiwan) and the Penghu Islands (Pescadores)

This map shows the island of Formosa, present-day Taiwan, where the Dutch East India Company had a colony until 1662. Particularly the southwest coast of the island, the core area of the Dutch presence, on the island, is mapped very precisely; the mountainous east side is more sketchy. Below (i.e. to the west of Taiwan), the Penghu Islands (Pescadores) are depicted, where the Dutch East India Company had a fort from 1622 to 1624, until a Chinese army forced them to move to Taiwan.

Other copies: Österreichische Nationalbibliothek Van der Hem 41:27; Nationaal Archief VELH0619.52.

Part of the Carte di Castello, collected by Cosimo de Medici III in 1667 and 1669 during his tours through Europe. Cosimo III bought the 66 watercolours by Vingboons in December 1667 in Amsterdam, through mediation of Pieter Blaeu.