Map of the Americas with Exploration Tracks and Nice Cartouche, 1795

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This is a very handsome and rare 1795 map of the Americas titled "Amerique ou Nouveau Continent Dressee sur les … Read more This is a very handsome and rare 1795 map of the Americas titled "Amerique ou Nouveau Continent Dressee sur les Nouvelles Relations Decouvertes et Observations" by Jean Baptiste Nolin. The map presents a fascinating depiction of the Western Hemisphere, highlighting the knowledge and geographic understanding of the Americas at the end of the 18th century. Nolin's map was updated and augmented by L. Denis and subsequently published by Basset, adding a layer of historical interest as it represents evolving cartographic knowledge of the Americas during a period of active exploration and territorial expansion. The map features a striking title cartouche in the upper left, which adds a decorative as well as a cultural element. The cartouche is adorned with an illustration of two Native Americans, depicted smoking a peace pipe and preparing smoke signals, set against lush, giant flowering plants. The peaceful interaction portrayed here reflects a European romanticized vision of indigenous life in the Americas. Notably, the large flowering plants conveniently obscure much of the northwest coast of North America, an area still largely unexplored at the time. This obscuration serves as a subtle reminder of the European struggle to map this region accurately. In the lower part of the map, an inset shows an alternate perspective of the northwest coast, reflecting the Delisle/Buache theories of a Northwest Passage, which fascinated explorers and cartographers for centuries. These speculative theories regarding a potential passage connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were highly significant during this period, as they promised an advantageous trade route. The inset adds an interesting contrast between speculative geography and the broader known features of the map, highlighting the limits and ambitions of geographical exploration during the 18th century. The map is highly detailed, with numerous place names marked throughout both North and South America. The geographic details include rivers, mountain ranges, cities, and colonial territories, reflecting the extent of European exploration and settlement. The tracks of several recent explorations are also indicated throughout the oceans, providing insight into the maritime routes that were being actively used or newly discovered at the time. These tracks reflect the growing interest in navigation, commerce, and the scientific exploration of new territories. The inclusion of panels of French text on either side of the map provides context and s of the various nations and regions depicted, offering a narrative component that enriches the visual representation. This combination of cartography with explanatory text exemplifies the educational and informative goals of 18th-century maps, which were not only practical tools for navigation but also vehicles for spreading geographical knowledge. The map is in good overall condition, printed on watermarked paper. There is light soiling, and some worm holes have been professionally infilled, while additional minute worm holes are only visible when the map is held to light. The overall sheet size, including the French text panels on both sides, is 26.5 x 18.5 inches, making it an impressive display piece. This map is not only a beautiful representation of the Americas at the end of the 18th century but also a significant historical artifact. It captures the spirit of an era driven by exploration, discovery, and a fascination with the unknown. For collectors, historians, or anyone with an interest in cartography, it offers a rich visual and cultural glimpse into the geographic understanding of the Americas during a critical period in history. See less