Catalog Archive
Auction 139, Lot 333

"Particularitez Curieuses de l'Ile de St. Christophle et de la Province de Bemarin dans les Antilles", Chatelain, Henry Abraham

Subject: St. Kitts

Period: 1719 (circa)

Publication: Atlas Historique…

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19 x 14.8 inches
48.3 x 37.6 cm
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This sheet presents several views of St. Kitts and the native fauna. The view at upper left shows the Governor-General's palace - complete with elaborate formal French gardens. The view at center shows the natives welcoming the French and preparing a feast. The view at right depicts Melilot, the mythical capital of Apalache. This idealized view was taken from Charles de Rochefort's view first published in his Histoire naturelle et morale des iles Antilles de l'Amerique in 1658. The Apalache were purported to have a utopian kingdom in Georgia and Florida, and to have been the ancestors of the Carib peoples. As Melilot was not found in North America, here it has been transferred to St. Kitts. The views at bottom show a variety of native fauna.

References:

Condition: A

Nice strong impression and attractive color. There is a small printer's ink smudge at lower right, else fine.

Estimate: $220 - $250

Sold for: $160

Closed on 2/15/2012

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