Catalog Archive
Auction 134, Lot 36

"Versuch von einer Kurzgefassten Karte welche die Bekannten Theile der Erdkugel Enthaelt", Bellin, Jacques Nicolas

Subject: World

Period: 1748 (dated)

Publication: Allgemeine Historie der Reisen…

Color: Hand Color

Size:
27.5 x 19.3 inches
69.9 x 49 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

This is an uncommon German version of Bellin's popular world map (Essay d'une Carte Reduite Contenant les Parties Connues du Globe Terrestre …), which was published at the same time as the French version. It is presented on Mercator's projection with two fine compass roses orienting the chart. North America is shown with a very pronounced River of the West connecting through a series of rivers and lakes from Lake Superior to the Pacific - representing the elusive Northwest Passage. A portion of the Asian coastline is depicted a short distance from the supposed western coast. The Russian discoveries in the North Pacific are not yet shown, although there is a note about the voyages of 1743. Abel Tasman's new discoveries in New Zealand and Australia are shown. Australia is labeled Neu Holland with Neu Guinee linked to the mainland by the Carpentier coastline. Diemens Land, also labeled I. Tasmand, is connected to the mainland by conjectural dotted lines.

References:

Condition: A+

Issued folded, now flattened. A fine example with just a hint of toning above the cartouche.

Estimate: $850 - $1,000

Sold for: $550

Closed on 12/1/2010

Archived