1730 A New Map of the Whole World with the Trade Winds
By: Herman Moll
Date: 1730 (published) London
Dimensions: 8 x 10.25 inches (20.3 x 26.04 cm)
This decorative double hemisphere map of the world by Herman Moll illustrates the continuing cartographic fiction of California being an island. Despite earlier maps having depicted it as a peninsula, the perception of California as an island persisted well into the 19th century.
The map is important for its depiction of trade winds shown by arrows on both hemispheres, an aid to those preparing to fund fleets or expeditions to other continents. The winds are discussed in some detail in a note in the upper left of the map. The upper right contains a note naming signs of the zodiac. A view of the South Pole and southern regions of the globe is presented between and just above the hemispheres.
The lower portion of the map is lavishly embellished with a number of allegorical figures and other figures representative of the continents along with indigenous flora and a bit of fauna in the figure of a lion lying peacefully under a tree.
Condition: This map is in C condition. A number of holes have been repaired on the verso and the map has toned unevenly. Colour is original, with oxidation on the verso.
Inventory #12459
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