Catalog Archive
Auction 201, Lot 56

One of the Most Popular American Maps of the 18th Century

"Carte d'Amerique Dressee pour l'Usage du Roy", Delisle, Guillaume

Subject: Western Hemisphere - America

Period: 1722 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
24.1 x 19.2 inches
61.2 x 48.8 cm
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This detailed map of the Americas is one of the most popular maps of the 18th century and provides a great deal of information about the state of geographic knowledge in the New World in the early part of the century. In North America the western coast is blank above California. The French territory of Louisiane takes up the lion's share of North America at the expense of the British colonies. This political bias is due to Delisle's position as geographer to the King of France. South America is well represented with a good depiction of the river systems and the locations of the Jesuit missions. The is the second state with d'Amerique in block-style lettering in the title cartouche. The map has a long publishing history that spans nearly 100 years.

References: Tooley (America) p. 13, #2; Portinaro & Knirsch CXIV.

Condition: B+

A sharp impression with contemporary outline color on a bright sheet with a small chapel watermark. There are some small spots, a faint dampstain in the North Atlantic, and an archivally repaired tear that enters 1" into image at bottom center.

Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400

Sold for: $675

Closed on 11/20/2024

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