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This 1625 map and illustration of Madagascar and environs, which appeared in a travel work attributed to Levinus Hulsius, is an early European depiction of the island and its inhabitants. Hulsius, a German geographer, engraver, and publisher, was known for his illustrated travel narratives, particularly those documenting the discoveries and encounters of European explorers in the early modern period.

The engraving presents a stylized and dramatic view of Madagascar and the nearby Île Sainte-Marie (Insula de S. Maria), reflecting European perceptions of the region during the early 17th century. 

The map focuses on Madagascar (Insula Madagascar) and its surrounding islands, particularly Île Sainte-Marie (Insula de S. Maria), an important outpost for European traders and later pirates. The Bay of Antongil (B. de Antongil) is marked prominently, indicating early European knowledge of the northeastern coast of Madagascar. The background includes rudimentary depictions of settlements, ships, and natural elements, reinforcing the sense of an exotic and unexplored land.

In the foreground, the illustration portrays two figures, one of whom is labeled "Der König von S. Maria" (The King of Sainte-Marie). The stylized representation of the ruler, depicted with horn-like protrusions on his head, reflects the European tendency to exoticize and mythologize foreign peoples. His armlets and traditional dress suggest an attempt at cultural depiction, though exaggerated for dramatic effect. The second figure, shown with a wooden shield and spear, likely represents a local warrior or common inhabitant of the region. 

The German text below the image describes various aspects of Madagascar and its people, emphasizing exaggerated characteristics such as the king’s "horns" and the presence of fantastical creatures. The passage mentions the construction of houses on stilts due to the presence of poisonous animals, as well as conflicts between Madagascar’s inhabitants and the Dutch, leading to casualties and the destruction of villages. It also highlights the unique animals of the island, including oxen with large humps, dwarf sheep, and mythical serpents and dragons (Lindwurm, Eidechsen, and Geÿß). The abundance of fruit, including lemons, oranges, and citrons, is noted, emphasizing the island’s natural richness. 

This map and illustration reflect early 17th-century European perceptions of Madagascar, a time when Dutch, Portuguese, and English explorers were attempting to establish trade connections and outposts in the Indian Ocean. European knowledge of Madagascar was limited and often based on travelers' accounts filled with embellishments, resulting in ethnographic distortions such as the depiction of the "horned king." The mention of conflict with the Dutch highlights the competition among European powers for control of strategic islands along key maritime trade routes.

Additionally, Madagascar's role in the spice trade and as a provisioning station for ships made it an area of intense interest. Over time, Île Sainte-Marie would become a notorious pirate haven, though at this point, it was still largely occupied by local Malagasy communities and occasional European traders.