Very handsome and rare map of the Americas decorated with a large title cartouche depicting two Indians smoking a peace pipe and preparing smoke signals. The cartouche is embellished with huge flowering plants that conveniently obscure the northwest coast of North America. However, an inset at bottom completes the picture with the Delisle/Buache theories of a Northwest Passage. This is an early edition of this map, which was later updated to include the tracks of recent explorations. Panels of French text flank the map and describe the various nations.

References:

Condition: B+

A nice impression on a sheet with the watermark of a Maltese cross encircled in rosary beads. There is minor toning, light soiling and foxing, and the side margins have been professionally extended to accommodate framing.