Chatelain, Henri Abraham | One of the most decorative maps of North America

Chatelain, Henri Abraham

Carte Tres Curieuse de la Mer du Sud, Contenant des Remarques Nouvelles et Tres Utiles non Seulement sur les Ports et Iles de Cette Mer... [Amsterdam: 1719]

Copperplate engraved map, four sheets joined (overall to sight: 1,414 x 820 mm). Handcoloring, numerous vignettes within rococo framework, top right corner with "Tom: VI. No. 30. Pag: 117"; a few stray spots, one or two old and minor creases, apparent reinforcements to versos of joins, one or two closed primarily marginal tears repaired, one or two marginal repairs. Matted and framed; not examined out of frame. 

"One of the most elaborately engraved maps of the Western Hemisphere ever produced" (Schwartz & Ehrenberg)

The present map is a pictorial encyclopedia of the discovery and exploration of the New World. California is shown as an island and has many missions identified. The vignettes include a large view of Niagara Falls with industrious beavers in the foreground and a scene of Incan human sacrifice. Among the nine explorers depicted—many of whose routes are also shown—are Columbus, Vespucci, Magellan, and La Salle.

A virtual panorama of the Age of Discovery

REFERENCE

Schwartz & Ehrenberg 142; Tooley CI 80; Wagner 511