Catalog Archive
Auction 117, Lot 105

"Description des Castors & de leur Industrie des Canots…des Sauvages du Canada", Chatelain, Henry Abraham

Subject: Canada

Period: 1719 (circa)

Publication: Atlas Historique

Color: Black & White

Size:
17.3 x 14.8 inches
43.9 x 37.6 cm
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This is the famous beaver sheet from Volume Six of Chatelain's mammoth atlas. It contains descriptions and illustrations of beavers and their industry, and of the canoes, dwellings, hunting, fishing, clothes, customs and writing of the Canadian Native Americans. The part of the text entitled Amors & mariages des sauvages details how the prospective groom would woo his bride, which is also illustrated above. The large and pointy-toothed beaver is recognizable in later cartouches by Robert de Vaugondy, Santini and others.

References:

Condition: A

Nice bright impression with a couple of creases near centerfold and a separation at the top, marginal portion of the centerfold.

Estimate: $220 - $300

Sold for: $230

Closed on 12/6/2006

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