Catalog Archive
Auction 183, Lot 265

Popple's Epic Map - Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, & Leeward Islands Sheet

"[A Map of the British Empire in America (Sheet 15) - Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Leeward Islands]", Popple, Henry

Subject: Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Leeward Islands

Period: 1734 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
27 x 19.3 inches
68.6 x 49 cm
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Four intricately drawn ships navigate the ocean currents of this finely engraved map. This is sheet 15 of Popple's 20-sheet map of the British Empire in North America, focusing on the eastern half of Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, and the Leeward Islands through Dominica. The map shows place names, topography, wind direction arrows, and shoals. The map is dominated by an elaborate dedication cartouche that reads "To the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty This Map is most humbly Inscribed by Your Majesty's most Dutiful, most Obedient, and most Humble Servant Henry Popple."

Popple based his map on firsthand information gathered over several years at the Board of Trade and Plantations. The map was the first large-scale British map to provide an overall view of the eastern half of North America. As tensions grew between the colonial powers, the map became immensely influential throughout Europe and was copied by several cartographers. Marked page 15 in the top right corner of the sheet.

References: Pritchard & Taliaferro #24.

Condition: B+

A fine impression backed in archival tissue with a 3" tear at left and centerfold separations in the top and bottom blank margins that have all been professionally repaired. There is minor offsetting and some light staining on the left side of the sheet.

Estimate: $700 - $850

Sold for: $900

Closed on 6/9/2021

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