1758 Mappa Geographica Regionem Mexicanam et Floridam…
By: Matthaus Seutter/Conrad Lotter
Date: 1758 (circa) Augsburg
Dimensions: 19.5 x 22.75 inches (50 cm x 57.8 cm)
This beautiful map is Seutter’s decorative version of Delisle’e important map Carte de Mexique et de la Floride of 1703, engraved by Seutter’s son-in-law, Conrad Lotter, who took over the business on the death of Matthaus Seutter.
The map offers a wealth of information as it covers territories from the Great Lakes region in the north all the way to the West Indies and northern South America in the south. The area to the east of the Appalachian Mountains contains the British colonies, while France controls the Mississippi valley and Florida (which covers much territory). The details of the Mississippi Valley represent a radical departure from earlier maps as they accurately depict the information provided by the French Jesuits in North America in the late seventeenth century. Mexico is labeled ‘New Spain’. Many native tribes and their pueblos are included in the territory of New Mexico including Acoma, Santa Clara, Isleta and more. The areas along the Rio Grande and in Texas are minutely detailed, and there is rich annotation regarding Spanish activities in the Gulf of Mexico.
The map differs little from the original by Delisle, but is very ornate with the lower left quadrant filled with a huge conflagration at sea, with countless ships in various states of repair/disrepair, with cannons blasting and smoke billowing. Lifeboats full of men are seen racing toward the shore. The upper left is embellished with a lovely scale of miles cartouche. Off the east coast of North America are four inset plans of important trade centers including Vera Cruz, Cartagena, Havana and Panama. A number of sea routes are marked, and all geopolitical and topographical features are noted, nations’ boundaries, mountains, rivers, major cities and settlements, etc. A special note is made regarding the success of Columbus in 1492.
Condition: This map is in B+ condition. A nice impression on watermarked paper with light toning along the centerfold and a stain in the area of Lake Erie. Minor tears and chips along the edges of the sheet, away from the image, some of which have been repaired with archival material on the verso.
Inventory #10751
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