Catalog Archive
Auction 127, Lot 76

"Mapa de America Sujeto a las Observaciones Astronomicas", Lopez de Vargas Machuca, Thomas (don)

Subject: Western Hemisphere

Period: 1772 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
23.5 x 19 inches
59.7 x 48.3 cm
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This rare map was published by one of the most distinguished Spanish cartographers of the eighteenth century. The map provides an excellent view of the Americas just prior to the final explorations that completed the mapping of the Pacific northwest coast of North America. The entire western region is mostly blank except for a dotted line showing a Northwest Passage through the River of the West. There is an elongated peninsula in the place of Alaska derived from reports of the Russian explorations in the region. The area of present-day Texas is labeled Nuevas Filipinas o Tejas. South America is well mapped, reflecting the Spanish interests there.

References:

Condition: B+

Issued folding, now flattened with tissue repairs on the minor fold intersection splits.

Estimate: $1,800 - $2,200

Sold for: $2,100

Closed on 2/25/2009

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