Monday, 11 July 2011

The Art of Maps: New Map of The World From The Latest Observations

A New Map of The World From The Latest Observations…Most Humbly Inscribed to his Royal Highness George Prince of Wales

 

 

A New Map of The World From The Latest Observations…Most Humbly Inscribed to his Royal Highness George Prince of Wales

Map Maker: John Senex

Price: $3,600.00

Size: 21.5 x 16.5 inches

Place / Date: London / 1721

Condition: VG

Coloring: Hand Colored

Description:

Striking double hemisphere map of the World, from John Senex's New General Atlas, first published in 1721.

Senex's map provides a fine look at a number of the surviving myths and cartographic inaccuracies of the early 18th Century. California is shown as an Island, both New Zealand and Australia have incomplete coastlines, there is no sign of Antarctica, New Guinea is still shown as connected to Australia, and the Northwest Coast of America ends near the present day Straits of Juan de Fuca, with a speculative remnant of the old land bridge between Asia and America shown, but without meaningful detail.

The map includes 4 smaller Northern and Southern Hemisphere projections, an armillary and other scientific drawings.  A fine allegorical vignette across the top shows the four continents as womena, with Europe, the scholar, studying the globe, Asia, the exotic trading partner, with an urn of incense, while the primitive Africa and America appear on the far side of the title cartouche.

 

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