Catalog Archive
Auction 140, Lot 118

"Carte des Lacs du Canada…", Bellin, Jacques Nicolas

Subject: Canada and Great Lakes

Period: 1757 (dated)

Publication: Prevost's Histoire Generale des Voyages

Color: Hand Color

Size:
11.4 x 7.6 inches
29 x 19.3 cm
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This is an excellent French & Indian War period map depicting the five Great Lakes. While this map uses the same title as Bellin's prototype map of the Great Lakes, published in Charlevoix’s Histoire et Description Generale de la Nouvelle France in 1744, it has been updated with information from Bellin's similar map of 1755. Lakes Erie and Ontario are more accurately defined and the spurious islands in Lake Huron have been eliminated. However, several large, bogus islands still remain in Lake Superior, including I. Minong (called I. Philippeaux on some issues) and I. Pontchartrain. The Michigan peninsula is still misshapen with a massive mountain range down its center. Numerous forts are located: S. Jgnace, Niagara, des Miamis, and Toronto to mention a few. The ornate rococo title cartouche is draped with ivy.

References: Kershaw #953; Tooley (MCC-96) #871; Portinaro & Knirsch plt #CXXVI.

Condition: B+

There is minor soiling and a binding trim at lower left that does not enter map image. Folding as issued.

Estimate: $400 - $475

Sold for: $300

Closed on 5/23/2012

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