1719 Carte Particuliere Du Fleuve Saint Louis...
Carte Particuliere Du Fleuve Saint Louis Dressee Sur Les Lieux Avec Les Noms Des Sauvages Du Pais,Des Marchandises Qy’on En Recoit & Des Animaux, Insectes Poissons, Oiseaux, Arbres & Fruits des Parties Septentrioes & Meridiones de ce Pais
By: Henri Abraham Chatelain
Date: 1719 (Published) Amsterdam
Dimensions: 14.25 x 18 inches (36.2 cm x 45.7 cm)
This is a fine, example of the first state of Chatelain's "Fur Trappers Map" of the Great Lakes. The title of this map translates to "Particular Map Of The Saint Louis River Drawn On The Places With The Names Of The Savages Of The Country, Of The Merchandise That We Receive From It & Of The Animals, Insects, Fish, Birds, Trees & Fruits Of The Northern & Southern Parts Of This Country."
This important map by Chatelain depicts Canada, the Great Lakes, and the path of the Mississippi River and constitutes a remarkable compendium of the best and most recent compilations of its day. The map includes the locations and territories of various French Missions and Forts, of French and indigenous tribal settlements, significant river crossings, portages, and other information essential to explorers, trappers, and all who had travelled to the region with the intent of reaping the bounty afforded by it, particularly the fur-trading industry.
Another salient aspect of Chatelain’s map is the information bordering the cartographic image. With great care Chatelain names and places indigenous peoples of the various regions including those of Canada, the St. Lawrence River, those near Lake Huron, etc., notes the languages spoken by them and their tribal affiliations. He enumerates the wide variety of goods available and animals (wild game) to be found, the flora and fauna of this bountiful region are well described. Furthermore, furs and their trade value with different items are catalogued giving the viewer an appreciation of the socio-economic context in which early exploration took place.
The map was of great importance in its day, for it offered a clear guide to the entire region. All known waterways, including the Great Lakes are depicted and named. The map signals that the search for a water passage to the Pacific was still underway at the time. From a standpoint of phases of cartographic knowledge of the Great Lakes, this map serves as an important representation of the region after Sanson, and prior to the work of Jacques Nicolas Bellin. Chatelain's representation of the Great Lakes is most similar to that of Vincenzo Coronelli. It is without a doubt a staple piece for any Great Lakes map collection.
Condition: This map is in B+ condition with later coloring over lightly foxed paper. The map presents a dark impression and had full margins on all sides with no significant holes or tears. Some loss to the top left margin is apparent but reinforced on the verso with archival materials.
Inventory #12268
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