Catalog Archive
Auction 159, Lot 616

"L'Asie Suivant les Nouvelles Decouvertes dont les Point Principaux sont Placez sur les Observations de Mrs. de l'Academie Royale des Sciences", Fer, Nicolas de

Subject: Asia

Period: 1705 (dated)

Publication: L'Atlas Curieux

Color: Hand Color

Size:
12.8 x 9.2 inches
32.5 x 23.4 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

This is an interesting and very unusual map of the Asian continent. The map is based primarily on Dutch sources, particularly the outlines of Siberia and the East Indies. However, the most striking feature, which is original to De Fer, is a continuous land bridge extending from northern Korea and eastern Siberia across to America. A note acknowledges Portuguese sources for this new portrayal of the region. Hokkaido (Ieso) appears as a small circular island north of Japan. The northern coastline of Asia is based on Witsen's explorations including Cap Tabin and Cap de Glace. The interior is filled with details, including what appears to be a road from Moscow to Peking, and the Great Wall of China. The Caspian Sea is presented in an unusual shape. The coastline of a portion of New Guinea is incorrectly named as Nouvelle Zeelande. Graced with three beautifully designed cartouches.

References: Pastoureau, FER I D; Yeo #82.

Condition: B+

A sharp impression on watermarked paper with light toning and a small chip in bottom blank margin.

Estimate: $275 - $350

Sold for: $350

Closed on 9/14/2016

Archived