Catalog Archive
Auction 118, Lot 136

"L'Amerique Septentrionale Dressee sur les Observations de Mrs. de l'Academie Royale des Sciences…", Delisle/Covens & Mortier

Subject: North America

Period: 1730 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
23 x 17.8 inches
58.4 x 45.2 cm
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This is Pierre Mortier's re-engraved version of Delisle's foundation map of North America. It is nearly identical to the Delisle map, with California returned to its peninsular position rather than as an island. C. Mendocin is the farthest northern point on California, and the north portion of the continent is left blank. The Great Lakes are well-defined, based on Coronelli, with French forts noted. The English settlements are confined east of the Alleghenies, and the Spanish forts are clustered around Santa Fe. The Mississippi River valley is well developed with recent French settlements. The first mention of what would be called the Sargasso Sea is noted in the North Atlantic. The map is decorated with an aquatic-themed figural cartouche and a draped scale of miles.

References: Tooley (Amer) #33, p.19.

Condition: A

Superb, velvety impression with original outline color and partial color in cartouche. A little tape residue in blank margin.

Estimate: $1,400 - $1,500

Sold for: $1,200

Closed on 3/6/2007

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