Catalog Archive
Auction 137, Lot 101

"A New Map of the Whole Continent of America. Divided into North and South and West Indies…", Laurie & Whittle

Subject: Western Hemisphere

Period: 1794 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
47 x 41 inches
119.4 x 104.1 cm
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An impressive, four-sheet map of North and South America, originally drawn by John Gibson in 1763 with a slightly different title. The map went through several revisions; this being the final state. The huge map is filled with incredible detail and is based on D'Anville's cartography, as well as Spanish explorations on the west coast of North America and the journals of Governor Pownall in New England and Canada. The new United States is shown with its boundary on the Mississippi River. In the west are two possible locations for a River of the West; one with its source at Pike's Lake, the other further north at Lake Winnipeg. A Chinese colony, Fou Sang is shown in present-day British Columbia. At lower left is an inset map of Hudson and Baffin's Bay. Above the inset is a large text panel listing of the states and the colonial possessions of the various European powers. The baroque style title cartouche features a beaver, a crocodile and an Indian headdress amid trees, a waterfall and tropical flora.

References: Tooley (America) p. 52, #3.f.

Condition: B+

Beautiful example. Map is backed with linen to join the sheets and repair a few minor chips and tears along the edge with a few just extending into neatline. There is some light wear where the sheets join, but it does not distract. There is occasional light staining primarily around the borders.

Estimate: $1,500 - $2,000

Unsold

Closed on 9/14/2011

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