Lovely little map depicting Neu Holland (Australia), Neu Seeland (New Zealand), Neu Guinea, and numerous Pacific islands, including the Marquesas, the Caroline Islands, the Sandwich Islands (now Hawaii), and the Friendly Islands (present-day Tonga). It also features historical names for other regions, such as Van Diemen’s Land, the name by which Tasmania was known before its official renaming in 1856. This fascinating map comes from the children’s atlas Geographische Länder-Fibel by Julius Löwenberg, published in Berlin in 1846.
Two decorative medallions in the upper frame depict key historical figures associated with the exploration and colonization of Oceania:
James Cook (1728–1779), on the left, the renowned British explorer who undertook three voyages to the Pacific between 1768 and 1779. He was the first European to precisely map the eastern coast of Australia, claiming the region of New South Wales for Britain in 1770. Cook also charted New Zealand and many other Pacific islands, playing a crucial role in Britain’s colonial expansion in the region.
Pomare, depicted on the right, likely refers to Pomare I (1742–1803) or Pomare II (1782–1821), rulers of the Pomare dynasty of Tahiti. Pomare I unified Tahiti under his rule, while Pomare II was the first Tahitian king to convert to Christianity and strengthen ties with Europeans, particularly British missionaries. His image symbolizes the complex relationship between the indigenous Pacific peoples and European colonizers.
The decorative framework is further enriched by illustrations of a Pacific Island native and a New Zealand Māori warrior holding a shield and club, symbolizing the indigenous resistance to European influences. At the bottom, two of Australia’s most iconic animals are depicted: a kangaroo and an emu, the second-largest bird in the world after the ostrich, a symbol of Australian wildlife and also featured on the country’s coat of arms.
Published in Berlin in 1846 by Verlag von Stern und Comp., Geographische Länder-Fibel is an educational work composed of 21 illustrated maps accompanied by verses. This children’s atlas aimed to make geography more accessible and engaging through the use of detailed maps and educational poetry. Each map represented a different region or country, enriched with illustrations of traditional costumes, monuments, and cultural scenes, offering both a geographical and cultural overview of the depicted areas.
The maps included in the atlas bear the signature “by Anst. v. A. Boeden of Berlin” at the bottom right. This inscription refers to the Anstalt von A. Boeden, a Berlin-based studio specializing in the production of maps and lithographic illustrations. The Anstalt von A. Boeden collaborated with various authors and publishers of the time, creating cartographic works for both educational and informative purposes. The precision and attention to detail in their lithographs reflect their high level of craftsmanship and their dedication to making maps both informative and visually appealing.
Julius Löwenberg (1800 – 1893): A Scholar of Geography
Julius Löwenberg was a German geographer and author, renowned for his prolific literary contributions in the field of geography and his close collaboration with the renowned naturalist Alexander von Humboldt.
Born in Strelno, Prussia (now Strzelno, Poland), Löwenberg began his education at a Talmudic school in Kleczewo before attending the gymnasium in Thorn. He continued his studies at the University of Berlin, where he focused on Church history, Christian dogmatics, and geography under the guidance of Carl Ritter. During his university years, he developed a strong literary output, which, thanks to his friendship with Alexander von Humboldt, gradually became increasingly focused on geography.
Löwenberg maintained both a professional and personal relationship with Humboldt. He made a significant contribution to Humboldt’s scientific biography, edited by Karl Christian Bruhns, by compiling a meticulous bibliography of all the scientist’s publications. This collaboration culminated in the publication of a three-volume biography, which remains a fundamental source for Humboldt studies.
Löwenberg published several geographical works distinguished by their clarity, rich illustrations, and educational value. His famous Länder-Fibel, from which this map originates, was designed to introduce children to the study of geography through illustrated maps enriched with artistic and cultural elements.
