Subject: World
Period: 1783 (circa)
Publication:
Color: Hand Color
Size:
26.5 x 19.2 inches
67.3 x 48.8 cm
Very uncommon world map depicting the geographical distribution of quadrupeds. The large chart is on Mercator's projection and shows an early form of Alaska and a still incomplete Australia with Tasmania attached to the mainland. This is the first thematic map of zoological geography. While limited to only placing the names of animals in their proper place, rather than portraying the distribution, it marks a significant step in thematic cartography. Finely engraved with a decorative title cartouche.
References:
Condition: A+