Catalog Archive
Auction 148, Lot 83

"Carte Generale de l'Amerique Septentrionale", Bonne, Rigobert

Subject: North America

Period: 1781 (dated)

Publication: Atlas Portatif

Color: Hand Color

Size:
12.5 x 8.3 inches
31.8 x 21.1 cm
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Great map of North America displaying some of the most intriguing cartographic mis-mapping of the late eighteenth century. The most apparent deviation is the huge Mer de l' Ouest, complete with several fictitious islands and the fabled wealthy city of Quivira on its southern shore. This sea is connected to the Pacific by the Entre of Jean de Fuca and the Entre de Martin d' Aguilar. In the middle of Canada is a gigantic Grande Eau from which flows the mythical R. de los Reyes (a remnant of the Northwest Passage theories). Also striking is the treatment of Alaska, shown as a vast group of islands, the most prominent of which is named Alaschka. Longitude is measured from Paris on lower scale and from I'Isle de Fer on upper. With seven distance scales.

References: McGuirk #180.

Condition: B+

There are a few minor spots in the image, else very good.

Estimate: $250 - $325

Sold for: $180

Closed on 2/19/2014

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