Catalog Archive
Auction 145, Lot 400

"The Port of Callao, in the South Sea; with the Adjacent Islands, Rocks & Coasts, to Windward and Leeward, and the Soundings in Fathoms", Jefferys, Thomas

Subject: Lima & Callao, Peru

Period: 1753 (published)

Publication: Gentleman's Magazine

Color: Hand Color

Size:
14.3 x 8.1 inches
36.3 x 20.6 cm
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Thomas Jefferys was one of the most important English map publishers of the 18th century. His work included prints and maps of locations around the world, but his most notable maps are of North America and the West Indies. He began his career in the map trade in the early 1730s, working as an engraver for a variety of London publishers, and eventually setting up his own shop. In 1746, he was appointed Geographer to the Prince of Wales, and in 1760 he became Geographer to the King. These titles granted access to manuscripts and cartographic information held by the government. In the early 1760s he embarked on an ambitious project to produce a series of English county maps based on new surveys, but ran out of money and filed for bankruptcy in 1766. He then partnered with London publisher Robert Sayer, who reissued many of Jefferys plates and continued to issue new editions after Jefferys' death in 1771. Jefferys' American Atlas and the accompanying West-India Atlas, published post posthumously, are considered his most important cartographic works.

This interesting map covers the present-day Lima Metropolitan Area from the fishing village of Ancon to the fortifications of Calloa and the city of Lima further inland. The map is very detailed with numerous soundings, roads and rivers. There is a decorative cartouche with a ship under full sail and the compass rose orients the chart with north on the left.

References: Jolly #GENT-82.

Condition: B+

Issued folding on watermarked paper with very minor soiling and a chip at right that just touches neatline and has been professionally repaired with old paper. Trimmed close to neatline at bottom.

Estimate: $100 - $140

Sold for: $110

Closed on 6/12/2013

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