Catalog Archive
Auction 163, Lot 27

Hennepin's Important, Updated Map of North America

"Carte d'un Nouveau Monde, Entre le Nouveau Mexique, et la Mer Glacialle", Hennepin, Louis de (Fr.)

Subject: Colonial North America

Period: 1698 (circa)

Publication: Nouvelle Voyage...

Color: Hand Color

Size:
18.4 x 11.5 inches
46.7 x 29.2 cm
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This is an uncommon, updated version of Carte de la Nouuelle France et de la Louisiane... that was published in Hennepin's third work, the Nouvelle Voyage d'un Pais plus grand que L'Europe, published in 1698. The map is most notable for its depiction of the river and lake routes into the interior and the Great Lakes region. Particularly, the delineation of Lakes Superior, Michigan and Huron are a marked improvement on Sanson's open-ended versions. Even with these improvements, the lack of accuracy is very evident; the lakes are enlarged and exaggerated, Hudson Bay is too far to the east and the Mississippi River too far to the west with its mouth in what is present-day Texas. An inset depicts the Pacific Northwest, with the Land of Iesso and Japon noted very near Asia. California is not shown as an island on this example. The extravagant, pictorial cartouche more than makes up for the simple cartography. This is the second state per Burden with the imprint of Gaspar Bouttats at lower left.

Louis de Hennepin, a Franciscan missionary, accompanied LaSalle in the explorations of the Upper Mississippi. After LaSalle returned for additional supplies, Hennepin and his party were captured by Sioux Indians. While traveling with the Indians, Hennepin discovered the falls where Minneapolis now stands, and named them St. Anthony Falls, in honor of his patron saint. Rescued in 1681 by Sieur du Luth (Duluth), Hennepin returned to Europe where he published accounts of his journey with some embellishments including a claim that he preceded LaSalle to the upper Mississippi.

References: Burden (II) #556; Phillips (Maps) p. 564.

Condition: B

Issued folding on watermarked paper with numerous fold separations and short edge tears that have been repaired on verso with archival material. Minor surface soiling.

Estimate: $2,750 - $3,500

Sold for: $1,600

Closed on 6/14/2017

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