1772 Carte de la Californie et des Pays Nord-ouest...
Carte de la Californie et des Pays Nord-ouest separes de l’Asie par le Detroit d’Anian, extradite de deux Cartes publiees au commencement du 17 Siecle.
By: Didier Robert de Vaugondy
Date: 1772 (Published) Paris
Dimensions: 12 x 14.5 inches (30.1 cm x 36.8 cm)
This fine map by de Vaugondy is actually two maps which together provide a fascinating study in the comparative cartography of the west coast of North America from the Straits of Anian, to Cabo San Lucas and the southern tip of Baja California.
The work consists of extracts from two maps thought to have been the work of Visscher, and with information derived from Mercator and Plancius. The larger map shows the Strait of Anian, Anian Regnum, Quivira Regnum, the Sierra Nevada, Nova Albion, Tontonteac Regnum, Tolm Regnum. Coastal detail includes over 30 coastal place names plus a number of mythical/ephemeral place names. The smaller map is a larger perspective of the entire region and shows the Straits of Anian but with an open sea free of ice above it, alluding to a NW passage in the Arctic Circle. The NW coastline is considerably different with only Anian Regnum and Quivira Regnum delineated. It also includes coastal place names, with several which are not on the larger map.
This map was published in the supplement to the Diderot and d’Alembert ‘Encyclopedie’ which was published between 1770-1779. It is one of the most fascinating studies in contemporary comparative cartography which can be obtained by collectors.
Condition: This map is in B+ condition with a minor separation which barely enters the image. Repair has been done with archival material on the verso. Very faint offsetting in places.
Inventory #10926
31 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60602 | T: 312-609-0031