Friday, April 10, 2009

The Netherlands, 1851

Our largest map yet today.


The contributor, Yvette Hoitink, offers the following description:

"This remarkable map shows a view of the coast of the Netherlands. The actual map is about 10 cm (4") wide and 2 meters (7') long. It is used like a scroll. Beneath the scale, it names the maker: George Wilkinson, Cinque Ports Pilot, Superannuated, 23rd Nov. 1851. The map is in English. Please leave a comment if you have more information about this map."

Ms. Hoitink has asked that we link back to the Flickr page containing the map, so here is the link. Many thanks to her for providing this truly remarkable map.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

South America, 1852

This map comes to us from a collector with a substantial trove.


The contributor offers the following description:

"This hand colored map is a steel plate engraving, dating to around 1852 by the French mapmaker Victor Levasseur. It represents South America. It comes from the Atlas Universel Illustré / Atlas National Illustré. It is one of the last illustrated atlases of the 19th century. This map comes from the publication by A. Combette en of 1852 or 1854.

"The map is particularly striking because of its elaborate border, nearly 6 inches in width, depicting scenes of South American life. To the right are splendid cities in the Amazon, farmers, gold miners and exotic animals. To the left are the gauchos of Argentina capturing wild horses in the highlands of Patagonia."