Catalog Archive
Auction 125, Lot 38

"Mappe Monde ou Description du Globe Terrestre & Aquatique", Elwe, Jan Barend

Subject: World

Period: 1792 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
24 x 18.3 inches
61 x 46.5 cm
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This lavish world map was first issued by Alexis-Hubert Jaillot nearly a century previous. This re-issue by Elwe retains the cartography with the island of California with Terre de Iesso just off shore of North America. In the Pacific there is a partial coastline of New Zealand and Van Diemens Land together with partial coastline for Terre Australe et Inconnue et Magellanique. It is probably the last published map to show California as an island. The map is beautifully decorated with a rich allegorical background. The female representations of the four continents adorn the corners with figures representing the virtues of Justice with her ax and scales, Truth holding a mirror while being attacked by a serpent, Fortitude with a broken column, and Temperance mixing wine and water.

References: Shirley #561.

Condition: A

Lovely condition with original color in map and decorative elements colored later with gold highlights.

Estimate: $3,000 - $4,000

Sold for: $1,600

Closed on 9/24/2008

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