Catalog Archive
Auction 161, Lot 481

"A New Map or Chart of the Western or Atlantic Ocean, with Part of Europe Africa & America: Shewing the Course of the Galleons, Flota &c. to and from the West Indies", Bowen, Emanuel

Subject: North Atlantic

Period: 1740 (dated)

Publication: Gentleman's Magazine

Color: Hand Color

Size:
11.7 x 13.8 inches
29.7 x 35.1 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

This handsome map of the Atlantic illustrates the commercial rivalry between Britain and Spain with the major shipping routes traced. It includes small parts of South America, the Caribbee Islands, Newfoundland and Labrador, western Africa and Europe. The chart is covered with interesting notations concerning the history of the region, territorial claims, and the tracks of the Spanish treasure fleets. A large military-style cartouche features the portraits of Admiral Blake (1650) and Vice Admiral Vernon (1740); two immensely popular British admirals in the ongoing fight against Spain. This map was published at the beginning of the War of Jenkin's Ear in which Vice Admiral Vernon captured the Spanish possession of Porto Bello. Ironically, less than a year later his next campaign against the Spanish at Cartagena ended in disaster, virtually ending his illustrious naval career.

References: Jolly #GENT-14.

Condition: B

Issued folding on watermarked paper with a small hole in the ocean adjacent to the compass rose that has been repaired on verso with old paper. Two minor edge tears at left and right have also been repaired with archival material on verso. There is light scattered foxing and the binding trim at upper left has been replaced with old paper.

Estimate: $250 - $325

Sold for: $275

Closed on 2/8/2017

Archived