Catalog Archive
Auction 129, Lot 79

"Carte d'Amerique, Dressee pour l'Usage du Roy…", Delisle/Covens & Mortier

Subject: Western Hemisphere

Period: 1739 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
23.5 x 18.8 inches
59.7 x 47.8 cm
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This map, first issued by Delisle in 1722, was one of the most popular maps of the 18th century. This is the fourth state published in Amsterdam by Covens & Mortier with the addition of a Latin title at top; America Accurate in Imperia, Regna, Status & Populos Divisa. The detailed map of the Americas provides a great deal of information about the state of geographic knowledge in the New World in the early part of the century. In North America the western coast is blank above California. The French territory of Louisiane takes up the lion's share of North America at the expense of the British colonies. This political bias is due to Delisle's position as geographer to the King of France. South America is much better represented with good depiction of the river systems and locations of the Jesuit missions. According to Tooley, this 1739 issue is from a re-engraved plate which is basically unchanged from the 1722.

References: Tooley (Amer) p. 13, #4, plt. 2.

Condition: B+

Beautiful example with original color and strong impression on thick hand laid paper. Along the lower margin is a repaired tear and a 4" narrow section with paper laid in, both repairs expertly accomplished. Map image is near fine.

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,200

Sold for: $750

Closed on 9/23/2009

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