Subject: Colonial United States & Canada, Great Lakes
Period: 1773 (published)
Publication: Raynal's Atlas Portatif
Color: Hand Color
Size:
11.2 x 7.4 inches
28.4 x 18.8 cm
This is an excellent little map depicting the five Great Lakes. While this map uses the same title as Bellin's prototype map of the Great Lakes, published in Charlevoix’s Histoire et Description Generale de la Nouvelle France in 1744, it has been updated with information from Bellin's similar map of 1755. Lakes Erie and Ontario are more accurately defined and the spurious islands in Lake Huron have been eliminated. However, several large, bogus islands still remain in Lake Superior, including I. Minong (called I. Philippeaux on some issues) and I. Pontchartrain. The Michigan peninsula is still misshapen with a massive mountain range down its center. Numerous forts are located: S. Jgnace, Niagara, des Miamis, and Toronto to mention a few. A simple title cartouche adorns the map. This map is cartographically similar to the third state, although "34a" remains engraved at bottom right as in the second state.
References: Kershaw #956-57; cf Tooley (MCC-96) #871; cf Portinaro & Knirsch, pl. CXXVI.
Condition: A
Original color on watermarked paper with wide margins and a couple of errant spots of color at bottom along centerfold.