Catalog Archive
Auction 100, Lot 26

"Carte Generale du Monde, ou description du Monde Terrestre & Aquatique", Covens & Mortier

Subject: World

Period: 1730 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
18.3 x 15.5 inches
46.5 x 39.4 cm
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Pierre Mortier's unique world map drawn on Mercator's projection with California as an Island and the Detroit d'Anian connected by dotted lines through the Northwest Passage to Button's Bay located to the west of Hudson's Bay. A small coastline of New Zealand appears in the Pacific. The northeast coast of Asia is severely truncated and shows Witsen's Cap de Glaces. Australia's northern coast is shown connected to New Guinea, along with a part of Van Diemen's Land. The most interesting features of the map are the five spheres presented at top. These depict Day and Night, the Flood, the phases of the moon, and the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. The map was precisely engraved by Jan van Luchenburg (signature at lower left). This is the second state with the Covens and Mortier imprint.

References: Shirley #622.

Condition: A

Fine impression with a couple of insignificant spots but still very good.

Estimate: $1,200 - $1,300

Sold for: $850

Closed on 9/12/2002

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