This elegant map is one of the most distinctive and decorative maps of the 18th century. Cartographically based on Delisle's map of the Americas, it represents the standard view of the New World during this period. It is the border decorations that make this map stand out; portraits of the New World explorers run along the top and bottom and on either side are illustrations of the signs of the zodiac. A large inset panel of text provides historical notes on the explorers portrayed in the panels. Numerous other notes across the map provide a fascinating complement to the geography on the map itself. Guillaume Danet, son-in-law of Nicholas de Fer, was not a prolific cartographer and this striking map is quite scarce as it was separately issued.

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Condition: A

Lovely example with fine, dark impression and full margins. Short split along lower centerfold just into border, professionally closed on verso.