1827 Carte Generale de L’Oceanie ou Cinquieme Partie du Monde.
By: Adrien-Hubert Brué
Date: 1827 (Published) Paris
Dimensions: 14.75 x 20.5 inches (37.47 x 52.07 cm)
This attractive Brué map depicts Oceania, which in the age of discovery was also known as the ‘Fifth Part of theWorld’. Brué notes on the map that due to discoveries made recently by various explorers, this 1827 map is to replace his of 1820 of the same area. The map covers what is still referred to as Oceania, including Australia and the islands of the Asian Archipelago. Oceania is the collective name for the islands scattered throughout most of the Pacific Ocean. The term, in its widest sense, embraces the entire insular region between Asia and the Americas. At the time it was published, it was considered one of the most accurate maps of the region.
Brué notes on the map that discoveries made by commercial ships from various European nations had provided the astronomical positions of a large number of points, along with the means to rectify many of previous maps which had been mistaken. The map acknowledges and depicts a number of newly charted islands, along with proof of the non-existence of some islands which previously had been depicted. In addition, he states that it presents more than seventy rock islands discovered during the past few years, of which he had not seen evidence in other maps. Where he doubts information, he posits a question mark.
The work of Brué is characterized by the high degree of accuracy with which it is done, and his meticulous attention to detail, of which this map is an excellent example. While beautiful and decorative, it is at the same time highly accurate, an element in which Brué took especial care. He published more often than many contemporaries in his determination to disseminate information regarding the latest discoveries around the world. The map is a pleasing blend of scientific information and elegant artistry.
Adrien-Hubert Brué (1786 - 1832) was a French cartographer active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He held the office of Geographe du Roi and often signed his maps as such. In this position Brue contributed to thousands of maps and numerous atlases. Like most cartographers many of his maps were published posthumously and were common even several decades after his death. They are known for their beauty, their clarity and accuracy. Many of his maps were published posthumously by his partner, Charles Picquet's son and heir, Pierre-Jacques Picquet, and were still being updated and republished decades after his death.
Condition: This map is in A condition. The engraving of this map is of exceptionally high quality. Lovely, original outline colouring, and the royal seal of the office of Geographer to the King of France.
Inventory #11610
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