Catalog Archive
Auction 155, Lot 127

Influential Map of the Great Lakes

"Partie Occidentale de la Nouvelle France ou du Canada", Bellin/Homann Heirs

Subject: Colonial Great Lakes

Period: 1755 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
21.3 x 16.8 inches
54.1 x 42.7 cm
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Superb map of the Great Lakes region illustrating strategic forts and the area claimed by the French just prior to the French and Indian War. Bellin's map, first published in 1744, dominated the cartography of the Great Lakes region for many years. It presented the first new material pertaining to New France since the maps of Guillaume Delisle three decades earlier. While this map summarizes the latest in French knowledge of the region, it is also notable for two cartographic myths; the mountain range in Michigan and the appearance of four fictitious islands in Lake Superior, including the infamous I Philippeaux Aut. I Minang that continued to appear on maps and eluded explorers' searches for it, well into the 19th century. The map locates French forts, missions, new settlements, Indian villages and includes an early appearance of Chicago, R. et Port de Checagou. This version was published by Homann Heirs.

References: Karpinski (MI) p.138; Kershaw #950; Schwartz & Ehrenberg plt. 97; Sellers & Van Ee #19.

Condition: B+

A crisp impression with original color on sturdy, watermarked paper. There is minor toning along the centerfold and light damp stains in the right and left blank margins.

Estimate: $1,400 - $1,700

Sold for: $1,500

Closed on 11/18/2015

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