1814 England
By: John Thomson
Date: 1814 (Published) Edinburgh
Dimensions: 24.5 x 19.7 inches (62.2 x 50.04 cm)
This beautiful hand colored Thomson map depicts England just as the end of the Napoleonic Wars approached. Though Wellington and von Blucher ultimately defeated Napoleon at Waterloo, the economic destruction which resulted from the long years of war plunged Europe into and Great Britain into depression from which they would not recover for several years. Thomson’s map has many interesting details, such as the distances in leagues to and from a wide variety of ports. The map is beautifully engraved in the minimalist English style pioneered in the early part of the 19th century. Relief is shown by hachure with towns, roadways, cities, ports and other major topographical features identified.
John Thomson (1777 - 1841) was a Scottish cartographer, publisher, and bookbinder active in Edinburgh during the early part of the 19th century, who had apprenticed under Edinburgh bookbinder Robert Alison. Thomson became one of the leading publishers in the Edinburgh school of cartography, which flourished in the early decades of the 19th century. Thomson and his contemporaries (Pinkerton and Cary) redefined European cartography by abandoning typical 18th century decorative elements such as elaborate title cartouches and fantastic beasts in favor of detail and accuracy.
Condition: This hand colored map on heavy paper is in A condition with even toning.
Inventory #11566
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