Subject: World
Period: 1779 (dated)
Publication:
Color: Black & White
Size:
17 x 12.6 inches
43.2 x 32 cm
This scarce and fascinating double hemisphere physical map of the world appeared in several of Mentelle's atlases. It highlights the mountain ranges of the world, including underwater ranges in the oceans, identified as Suite des Alpes Septentrionales and Suite des Alpes Meridionales. In North America, a massive Sea of the West appears with several islands within it. Volcanoes, both active and extinct are located with stars, although a note at bottom left indicates that of the 300 currently known, only the major ones are shown. Seven notable mountains and volcanoes are identified at bottom right, including Vesuvius, Hekla, and Etna. Australia and New Zealand are blank, with no topographical detail at all. There are no place names other than the continents and some mountain ranges. Engraved by Tardieu.
References: McGuirk #171.
Condition: B+
A sharp impression on a sturdy sheet with a bunch of grapes watermark. There are a few light stains in an unengraved area at bottom left.