Catalog Archive
Auction 137, Lot 112

"L'Amerique Septentrionale, Dressee sur les Memoires le plus recens des Meilleurs Geographes…", Covens & Mortier

Subject: North America

Period: 1757 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
24 x 18.2 inches
61 x 46.2 cm
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This uncommon map of North America provides nice detail of colonial settlements, Indian villages and tribal territory, and forts. The American West is almost completely unknown country and is labeled Terre Inconnues (unknown land) and Grande espace de pays qui n'est point connu (large area of country not known) outside of the Spanish possessions in New Mexico. The source of the Rio Grande (Rio del Norte) is noted to be unknown. The Mississippi, Missouri and most western rivers are incorrectly charted and the mythical River of the West is noted with dotted lines. Texas is identified as Tecas. An inset conveniently covers the unexplored northwest part of the continent and details Hudson and Baffin Bays and Greenland. The charming title cartouche features cherubic figures and represents the wealth of the continent with gold, tobacco and sugar cane.

References: Phillips (M) p. 577; Sellers & Van Ee #76; Wheat [TMW] #137; Tooley (Amer) #33, p.19

Condition: A

Wide margins with very light toning along centerfold and in left blank margin.

Estimate: $1,200 - $1,600

Sold for: $650

Closed on 9/14/2011

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