Catalog Archive
Auction 115, Lot 112

"Carte Generale des Decouvertes de l'Amiral de Fonte representant la grande probabilite d'un Passage au Nord Ouest", Robert de Vaugondy, Didier

Subject: Western North America

Period: 1772 (dated)

Publication: Diderot's Encylopedie (Supplement)

Color: Black & White

Size:
14.5 x 11.3 inches
36.8 x 28.7 cm
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This is probably the most extravagant of all the Northwest Passage maps. Thomas Jefferys was an ardent believer in the northern route to Asia and prepared this map to show the passage, and especially its entrance on the West Coast, as described by Juan de Fuca in 1592, and in the fictitious story of Bartholomew de Font's discoveries in 1640. Alaska is shown in an early form based on the map of Mueller. This map is from a set of maps prepared by Didier Robert de Vaugondy to illustrate the articles written by Samuel Engel concerning the recent discoveries and cartographic theories in the northern regions.

References: Hayes pp. 26-27; Pedley #455.

Condition: B

Very sharp impression with slight offsetting. Small fold intersection splits, else very good.

Estimate: $180 - $240

Sold for: $140

Closed on 6/21/2006

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