Catalog Archive
Auction 181, Lot 13

"Mappemonde a l'Usage du Roy", Delisle/Covens & Mortier

Subject: World

Period: 1770 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
26 x 17.1 inches
66 x 43.4 cm
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This impressive, large double-hemisphere map is based on the work of Delisle, with the latest discoveries of the previous 30 years, as mentioned in the cartouche at bottom. The routes of numerous explorers are depicted, including Magellan (1520), Mendanna (1595), Quiras (1605), Le Maire (1615), Tasman (1642), St. Louis (1708), and Antoine (1710). The colonies are confined to the eastern seaboard in North America with Louisiane encompassing the interior. The western portion of North America is still largely blank with the exception of a large Mer de l'Ouest. A broken coastline appears in the middle of the North Pacific with the notation "Terres reconnues par les Russes." Australia and New Zealand are only partially mapped, and Australia extends north to New Guinea. Above the map is a decorative cartouche featuring the French coat of arms surrounded by allegorical figures representing the four continents. This is the third state.

References: McGuirk #82.

Condition: B+

A dark impression on a sturdy sheet with contemporary color in the map and later color in the cartouches. There is light soiling, and two vertical folds have been pressed flat and some longer separations and tiny holes along the folds have been professionally repaired.

Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400

Sold for: $800

Closed on 2/10/2021

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