Catalog Archive
Auction 176, Lot 89

Keystone Map for Great Lakes Collections

"Le Canada, ou Nouvelle France, &c. ce qui est le Plus Advance vers le Septentrion est Tire de Diverses Relations des Anglois, Danois, &c...", Sanson/Mariette

Subject: Colonial Eastern United States & Canada

Period: 1656 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
21.3 x 15.6 inches
54.1 x 39.6 cm
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This is one of the most influential seventeenth century maps of the French and English colonies in North America. It concentrates on the region of greatest French interest with the boundary lines reflecting the French version of territorial boundaries. Sanson based the map primarily on Jesuit sources, retaining Champlain's basic cartographic model for the northern parts of Canada. He added some nomenclature of James, Foxe, and Button and retained the earlier concept of Button's Northwest Passage, in the southwest corner of the bay. The most important aspect of the map is the first appearance of L. Erie, ou du Chat as a recognizable lake. This delineation influenced the cartography of the region for over 100 years and was not superceded until Delisle's Carte du Canada in 1703. The entire Great Lakes basin and the St. Lawrence River are shown in great detail. Lake Superior and Michigan (Lac du Puans) are left open-end to the west. Other geographical improvements introduced with this map include a more detailed Hudson Bay, the introduction of Long Island, and the correct position of New Amsterdam. Engraved by Jan van Somer.

References: Burden #318; Kershaw #133; Schwartz & Ehrenberg #62; Pastoureau, Sanson V [86].

Condition: B+

Superb impression and contemporary outline color with light offsetting of the title cartouche and minor toning along the centerfold. Trimmed to just outside neatline and mounted on a larger sheet of fine 17th or early 18th century paper for binding into a composite atlas (a common practice at the time). There are several tears along the edges of the sheet, well away from the image.

Estimate: $4,000 - $5,000

Sold for: $2,000

Closed on 2/12/2020

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