Catalog Archive
Auction 134, Lot 56

"A Map of the Icy Sea in Which the Several Communications with the Land Waters and Other New Discoveries are Exhibited", Gibson, John

Subject: North Pole

Period: 1773 (published)

Publication: A Voyage Towards the North Pole …

Color: Black & White

Size:
7.8 x 8 inches
19.8 x 20.3 cm
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This interesting map of the Northern Hemisphere is based on the work of Jean Palairet with an Icy Great North Sea surrounding the North Pole. Contrary to custom, Europe is located at left with America on the right. The course of the imaginary Northwest Passage is depicted from Portugal to Japan straight across the Pole. The northern part of North America consists of highly distorted landmasses, including an elongated peninsula (or possibly island) where Alaska and the Aleutians are today, which is noted as being discovered in 1753. There is also a massive Sea of the West and a few, speculative Northwest Passages noted, reminiscent of the cartography of Buache. This map initially appeared in the Gentleman's Magazine in 1760. Here it was published in Captain Constantine John Phipps' report and his voyage to reach the North Pole.

References: cf. Jolly GENT-141.

Condition: B+

Some damp stains at top and bottom with faint offsetting and minor toning.

Estimate: $140 - $180

Unsold

Closed on 12/1/2010

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