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"Carta de la Isla de la Antigua, Reducida y Gravada", Lopez de Vargas Machuca, Thomas (don)

This rare chart of Antigua was published in Madrid by Don Tomas Lopez de Vargas Machuca (1730-1802), Geographer to the King of Spain and one of the most distinguished Spanish cartographers of the eighteenth century. It divides the island into five parishes: San Juan, Parham, San Pedro, Willoughby, and Falmouth. The chart identifies smaller satellite islands, towns and cities (including the capital, St. John's), mountains, rivers, bays, roads, a fishing hole, and churches. The Lucas and Codrington sugarcane plantations are noted and depicted with tiny illustrated windmills. Navigational information such as soundings, banks, anchorages, and hazards are shown. A block of Spanish text at top right discusses the mapping of the island and mentions Bellin. The decorative title cartouche appears at bottom right.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) T.LOP-3a Vol. 2 #26; Tooley (MCC-55) #41.

Condition: A

A crisp impression on a sheet with a coat of arms watermark. There are a few minor spots in map image and a faint dampstain and short edge tear in the bottom margin, not affecting the image.