Rare Colonial Map of Suriname & Berbice by Tirion, 1760: Paramaribo Inset, Plantations, Rivers, Indigenous Villages, Colonial Borders

Step into the world of 18th-century colonial ambition with the remarkable "Landkaart van de Volkplantingen Suriname en Berbice," a masterwork of cartographic precision published by Isaak Tirion in 1760. This map stands as a testament to the Dutch Golden Age of exploration and trade, capturing the intricate tapestry of the Surinamese and Berbicean coastal regions at a time when these territories were vital outposts of the Dutch colonial empire. The map’s title, rendered in elegant script within a decorative cartouche, immediately evokes the era’s sense of discovery and meticulous record-keeping, inviting the viewer to explore lands shaped by both natural grandeur and human enterprise.

Isaak Tirion, renowned for his detailed atlases and historical works, brings his signature clarity and artistry to this composition. His maps were prized not only for their accuracy but also for their aesthetic beauty, and this piece is no exception. Tirion’s commitment to documenting the world with both scientific rigor and artistic flourish is evident in the careful delineation of rivers, borders, and settlements. His work provided European audiences with a window into distant lands, serving as both practical guides for merchants and evocative symbols of the reach of Dutch influence.

The map itself is a marvel of detail, capturing the sinuous courses of the Suriname, Commewijne, Berbice, Corantijn, and Marowijne rivers as they wind through lush, fertile landscapes toward the Atlantic Ocean. Along these waterways, Tirion meticulously labels numerous plantations—each a microcosm of the colonial economy that shaped the region’s destiny. The map also carefully marks indigenous villages, referred to as "Indiaansche Dorpen," a poignant reminder of the region’s deep-rooted histories and the interactions, both fraught and fruitful, between European settlers and native populations.

A particularly striking feature is the inset map of Paramaribo, the bustling colonial capital of Suriname. This inset offers a rare glimpse into the urban planning and defensive architecture of the time, with the town’s fortifications and street layout rendered in exquisite detail. The harbor teems with ships, a visual testament to Paramaribo’s role as a hub of transatlantic trade and administration. The presence of Nieuw Amsterdam and New Amsterdam further underscores the strategic and economic importance of these settlements within the broader colonial framework.

Beyond its practical applications, this map is a historical artifact that encapsulates the complexities of 18th-century colonial life. The clearly marked borders between Suriname and Berbice, the intricate network of plantations, and the prominent rivers all speak to the interplay of geography, commerce, and culture that defined the era. For the discerning collector, Tirion’s "Landkaart van de Volkplantingen Suriname en Berbice" offers not only a window into a pivotal chapter of South American history but also a work of art that resonates with the enduring allure of exploration and discovery.

Cities and towns on this map

• Suriname:
• Paramaribo (largest city and capital today)
• Nieuw Amsterdam
• Guyana (formerly Berbice):
• New Amsterdam (largest city in the Berbice region today)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset map: Detailed inset of Paramaribo, showing town layout, fortifications, and approximately 20 ships anchored nearby
• Bodies of water: Atlantic Ocean ("Atlantische Zee"), Suriname River ("Suriname Rivier"), Commewijne River ("Commewyne Rivier"), Berbice River ("Berbice Rivier"), Corantijn River ("Corentin Rivier"), and Marowijne River ("Marawine Rivier")
• Borders: Clearly marked colonial boundaries between Suriname and Berbice
• Landmarks: Numerous plantations labeled along rivers, indicating the colonial plantation economy
• Indigenous villages ("Indiaansche Dorpen") clearly labeled, showing the presence and locations of indigenous populations
• Decorative cartouche with the title, typical of 18th-century maps

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Landkaart van de Volkplantingen Suriname en Berbice
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Isaak Tirion, a prominent Dutch publisher and cartographer known for detailed maps and atlases in the 18th century
• Year of creation: 1760
• Geographical coverage: Coastal regions of present-day Suriname and Berbice (now part of Guyana), historically significant as Dutch colonial territories in South America
• Map themes and topics: Political and physical geography, colonial plantations, indigenous villages, rivers, roads, and fortifications
• Historical significance: Reflects the colonial interests of the Dutch in South America during the 18th century, highlighting plantation economies, trade routes, and interactions with indigenous populations
• Design and style: Characteristic of 18th-century European cartography, detailed and precise, with clear labeling of geographical features, plantations, and settlements

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 70in (180cm). 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.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

Alcune delle mie vecchie mappe sono ora disponibili come tele incorniciate. Per favore contattami se desideri ordinare una dimensione che non è disponibile nel mio negozio.

Le vecchie mappe su tela sono un'alternativa interessante alle mappe incorniciate in modo convenzionale. A seconda del tuo gusto personale e dell'arredamento della stanza, le mappe su tela possono "risaltare" un po' di più rispetto a una mappa incorniciata.

Scopri di più sulle mie mappe su tela incorniciate.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

Se non sei soddisfatto del tuo ordine per qualsiasi motivo, contattami per un rimborso senza problemi. Si prega di consultare la nostra politica di reso e rimborso per ulteriori informazioni.

Sono molto sicuro che ti piacerà la tua mappa restaurata o la stampa d'arte. Lo faccio dal 1984. Sono un venditore Etsy a 5 stelle. Ho venduto decine di migliaia di mappe e stampe d'arte e ho oltre 5.000 recensioni reali a 5 stelle.

Utilizzo un processo unico per restaurare mappe e opere d'arte che richiede molto tempo e lavoro. Trovare le mappe e le illustrazioni originali può richiedere mesi. Utilizzo tecnologia all'avanguardia e incredibilmente costosa per scannerizzare e restaurarle. Di conseguenza, garantisco che le mie mappe e stampe d'arte siano superiori alle altre - ecco perché posso offrire un rimborso senza problemi.

Quasi tutte le mie mappe e stampe d'arte sembrano fantastiche a grandi dimensioni (200 cm, 6,5 piedi+) e posso anche incorniciarle e consegnarle a te, tramite un corriere speciale per oggetti di grandi dimensioni. Contattami per discutere delle tue esigenze specifiche.