Catalog Archive
Auction 100, Lot 14

"Mappe-Monde, ou Carte Generale du Monde; Dessignee en Deux Plan-Hemisperes", Sanson, Nicolas

Subject: World

Period: 1651 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
20.8 x 14 inches
52.8 x 35.6 cm
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Important double hemisphere world map showing California as an Island. It is one of the first maps to distinguish the Great Lakes with Lac Superior first named here. Lake Michigan, here called Lac des puans (lake of evil smells), is also introduced here. All five of the Great Lakes were not named until Sanson's 1656 map of New France. The faint outline of Terra Magellanica appears in the south. Australia is only partially shown, and labeled simply Beach, with place names on the south and west coasts reflecting Dutch discoveries. Neither Tasmania or New Zealand is shown. The map is typical of Sanson's "scientific" style of cartography with no decorative elements. It was published in conjunction with Pierre Mariette (father and son), who published many of Sanson's work after 1645. Engraved by Riviere with his signature at bottom right. Size excluding title and imprint. $1200 RESERVE.

References: Shirley #390.

Condition: B

Some marginal defects affecting imprint at bottom. Slightly irregular impression. Small hole in margin, well away from map.

Estimate: $1,500 - $1,600

Sold for: $1,200

Closed on 9/12/2002

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