Catalog Archive
Auction 189, Lot 45

"Hemisphere Septentrional pour voir Plus Distinctement les Terres Arctiques", Delisle, Guillaume

Subject: North Pole

Period: 1714 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
18.3 x 18 inches
46.5 x 45.7 cm
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This important map of the Northern Hemisphere is drawn with Delisle’s characteristic scientific approach. This is the first map to correctly place the west coast of North America, moving it substantially east from previous mapping. California is shown as a peninsula at a time when it was often still shown as an island, even in other maps drawn by Delisle, although a dotted line still hints at the possibility of the island form. Near the northern coast of Asia is Terre de la Compagnie with a note about its discovery by Jean de Gama. Delisle based his depiction of the Northern Pacific on the voyage of Fondant in 1709.

References: Wagner #504.

Condition: B+

A nice impression on a sheet with a Society of Jesus (IHS) watermark. There is light dampstaining and a printer's crease at top near the centerfold.

Estimate: $400 - $475

Sold for: $300

Closed on 9/14/2022

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