This intricately designed frontispiece appeared in John Coote's A New Geographical Dictionary (1759-60), which included maps by George Rollos. It is adapted from the title page of Robert de Vaugondy's Atlas Universel (1757) and typifies the flourishing baroque and rococo style of French design and engraving that gained popularity in the latter part of the 18th century. It shows four allegorical queens representing the continents. At lower right is Minerva who stands for Europe and wisdom. On the left are Asia with a camel and Africa holding an elephant tusk and riding a lion. America is shown as a muscular Amazon queen with a bow and quiver of arrows. The sun-god Apollo gallops across the heavens in his chariot, and a flock of adorable putti frolic around a large globe at center. Drawn by F. Le Pere and engraved by Baquay. Printed for John Coote.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) G.COOT-1a.

Condition: A

A crisp impression with marginal soiling.