Catalog Archive
Auction 128, Lot 72

"A Map of the Icy Sea in Which the Several Communications with the Land Waters and Other New Discoveries are Exhibited", Gibson, John

Subject: North Pole, Arctic Ocean

Period: 1760 (published)

Publication: Gentleman's Magazine

Color: Black & White

Size:
7.8 x 7.8 inches
19.8 x 19.8 cm
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Based on the work of Jean Palairet, this is a very interesting map of the Northern Hemisphere and the Icy or Great North Sea surrounding the North Pole. The intriguing chart illustrates the West Sea and other myths in the Northwest part of North America, and notes that a Dutch ship reached 80° north latitude in 1670. Contrary to custom, Europe is located at left with America on the right. The course of the imaginary Northwest Passage is depicted from Portugal to Japan. Highly distorted landmasses are shown in the Arctic and North Pacific, including a huge single island where the Aleutians are today (noted as being discovered in 1753).

References: Jolly GENT-141.

Condition: B+

Issued folded, now flattened. Trimmed into neatline at right, as issued.

Estimate: $150 - $200

Sold for: $110

Closed on 5/20/2009

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