A New Map of the Whole World with the Trade Winds (1736)
Herman Moll (1654–1732) stands as one of the most important, prolific and influential cartographers of the early 18th century. Thought to have been born in Bremen, Germany to a Dutch family, Moll’s career flourished in England, where his detailed, visually distinctive maps became emblematic of Britain’s expanding imperial ambitions. His Dutch heritage is widely accepted due to the stylistic and technical influences visible in his early works, which align closely with Dutch cartographic traditions. Herman Moll’s innumerable contributions over the five decades dedicated to his work extended far beyond both geographic and topographic representation. His works are a blending of artistry, political commentary, and scientific precision which remain valuable resources for historians, geographers, and collectors, offering deep insight into the interplay between geography, politics, commerce, and empire building in the early modern world.
Education and Early Career
Although specific records of his education seem to have not survived, Moll is likely to have apprenticed in engraving and cartography somewhere in the Dutch Republic, whose cities formed a great hub of cartographic innovation during the 17th century. The Dutch Golden Age of cartography, characterized by figures such as Willem Blaeu and Joan Blaeu, would have provided Moll with a rich foundation in both the technical and artistic aspects of mapmaking. This early exposure to Dutch techniques, combined with his later experiences in England, would shape Moll’s unique cartographic style.
By the 1670s or early 1680s, Moll had relocated to London, a city rapidly emerging as a center for commercial publishing and cartographic production. London offered vast opportunities for ambitious mapmakers, particularly as England’s maritime empire expanded. Moll began his career in England as an engraver, collaborating with established mapmakers and publishers such as John Ogilby and Robert Morden. His skill in engraving quickly garnered attention, allowing him to transition from a tradesman to an independent cartographer and publisher.
In 1701, Moll established his own shop in London’s bustling cartographic quarter, near Temple Bar. From this location, he produced a remarkable body of work that combined cartographic precision with artistic flair. His maps were often accompanied by detailed explanatory texts and elaborate cartouches with decorative frames containing allegorical illustrations, portraits, or thematic scenes, all of which became Moll trademarks.
His renown for masterful work soon resulted in his becoming acquainted with aristocratic patrons and their erudite friends and associates, both in England and across the Continent, contributing significantly to his prominence in his field. Moll quickly became the most important cartographer of his era in London.
Over his career, Herman Moll produced more than 50 maps and atlases, covering a wide range of geographic and thematic subjects. His works were not only cartographic tools but also instruments of political influence and public education. His maps were readily recognizable due to their bold, clear engraving style and elaborate cartouches. He often included insets with detailed views of specific regions such as harbor plans, or thematic illustrations, such as depictions of trade routes or natural resources. These features made his maps both informative and visually engaging. One of his most important maps is his A New and Exact Map of the Dominions of the King of Great Britain on the Continent of North America. Perhaps Moll’s most famous map, it vividly depicts British claims in North America during a period of intense colonial rivalry with France and Spain. The map’s bold territorial assertions and detailed insets, such as "A View of ye Industry of ye Beavers of Canada," served both practical and propagandistic purposes, reinforcing British imperial ambitions.
Royal and Aristocratic Patronage
Moll’s reputation as a cartographer earned him patronage from the British aristocracy and royalty. He was appointed Geographer to the Queen (likely Queen Anne), a prestigious title that underscored his prominence in the field. This position granted him access to official geographic data and further cemented his role as a key figure in British cartography. His aristocratic connections extended to influential clients who commissioned custom maps for estate planning, military campaigns, and political negotiations. Moll’s ability to balance scientific rigor with political sensitivity made him a valuable asset to both the crown and the aristocracy.
Moll was heavily influenced by the Dutch cartographic tradition, particularly the works of Willem Blaeu, Joan Blaeu, and Frederik de Wit. The precision, aesthetic quality, and thematic richness of Dutch maps are evident in Moll’s work. However, Moll diverged from his Dutch predecessors by incorporating British imperial perspectives and focusing on maritime power and colonial expansion.
Moll’s influence extended to future generations of cartographers. His clear, detailed style set a new standard for mapmaking, particularly in England. Figures such as John Rocque and Thomas Jefferys drew inspiration from Moll’s work, continuing the tradition of combining cartographic accuracy with political messaging. Moll’s atlases remained widely used well into the 18th century, serving as both educational tools and symbols of British imperial pride.
Moll’s cartographic legacy is defined by his ability to merge scientific precision, artistic creativity, and political advocacy. His maps not only reflected the geographic knowledge of his time but also shaped public perceptions of British power and influence. Through his prolific output of more than 50 maps and atlases, Moll established himself as a central figure in the history of cartography. His works remain valuable resources for historians, geographers, and collectors, offering insights into the interplay between geography, politics, and empire in the early modern world.