Catalog Archive
Auction 135, Lot 723

"Carte de l'Isle O-Taiti", Bonne, Rigobert

Subject: Pacific Islands, Tahiti

Period: 1780 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
13.5 x 9.3 inches
34.3 x 23.6 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

This handsome map is a remarkably accurate, early map of Tahiti. It is from information Capt. James Cook gathered when he spent several months in 1769 on the island observing the transit of Venus as part of his first voyage. The detail on the map includes topography and the depiction of reefs, anchorages and soundings. The three inset maps show harbors and anchorages, and other islands. This edition, engraved by Andre, appeared in a French edition of Cook’s voyages. Page number 125 at upper right outside neatline.

References:

Condition: A

Very nice example with fine, full coloring and crisp impression on thick paper with wide margins.

Estimate: $180 - $220

Sold for: $160

Closed on 2/16/2011

Archived