Catalog Archive
Auction 134, Lot 714

"Carte des Isles de la Societe", Bonne, Rigobert

Subject: Society Islands

Period: 1788 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
13.5 x 9.2 inches
34.3 x 23.4 cm
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The Society Islands are a group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, the best know being Tahiti. This chart shows Bora-Bora, Tahaa and Raiatea in great detail including their surrounding reefs. Also shows Big and Little Hauhine, here incorrectly shown as one island. Inset Isle de Noel is today part of the Tupai Atoll north of Bora-Bora. Three other insets detail harbors on Hauhine and Raiatae, here called Ulietea. Some believe the archipelago was named by Captain James Cook in honor of the Royal Society, the sponsor of the scientific survey of the islands, however in his journal, Cook says he called the islands Society "as they lay contiguous to one another." Per notation at upper left this chart is drawn from Cook's first Pacific voyage.

References:

Condition: B+

A little offsetting and a few spots. Very nice impression and color with full margins and a text-based watermark.

Estimate: $100 - $130

Sold for: $75

Closed on 12/1/2010

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