Catalog Archive
Auction 169, Lot 53

"Hemisphere Septentrional pour voir Plus Distinctement les Terres Arctiques", Delisle, Guillaume

Subject: North Pole

Period: 1714 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
17.9 x 17.9 inches
45.5 x 45.5 cm
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This important map of the Northern Hemisphere is drawn with Delisle’s characteristic scientific approach. This is the first map to correctly place the west coast of North America, moving it substantially east from previous mapping. California is shown as a peninsula at a time when it was often still shown as an island, even in other maps drawn by Delisle, although a dotted line still hints at the possibility of the island form. Near the northern coast of Asia is Terre de la Compagnie with a note about its discovery by Jean de Gama. Delisle based his depiction of the Northern Pacific on the voyage of Fondant in 1709.

References: Wagner #504.

Condition: B+

A nice impression on watermarked paper with original wash and outline color. There is a hint of toning along the centerfold, light offsetting, and light toning along the edges of the sheet.

Estimate: $400 - $475

Sold for: $500

Closed on 9/12/2018

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