Map of Australia and Polynesia with New Zealand by Noothoven van Goor, 1876

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Australia and Polynesia with New Zealand – Noothoven van Goor, 1876 Map This finely engraved 19th-century map, titled “Australië en … Read more Australia and Polynesia with New Zealand – Noothoven van Goor, 1876 Map This finely engraved 19th-century map, titled “Australië en Polynesie,” was published in Leiden by D. Noothoven van Goor for the *Nieuwe Hand-Atlas der Aarde* (circa 1876). It presents a remarkably detailed view of Australia, New Zealand, and the vast island world of Polynesia at a moment when European exploration, colonial administration, and scientific mapping were rapidly transforming the region.

The map is beautifully hand-coloured with subtle boundary tints and offers a rare historical snapshot of Oceania before many modern political borders were fully defined. Australia is shown with clear divisions between Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. Major coastal centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, and Hobart are marked, while the interior still contains large uncharted or sparsely surveyed territories labelled with early expedition routes, indigenous regions, and wide desert tracts.

The map reflects an era shortly after pioneering inland journeys by Stuart, Burke & Wills, and Giles expanded European knowledge of the continent’s interior. To the east, New Zealand is depicted with an impressive level of detail. Both Te Ika-a-Māui (North Island) and Te Waipounamu (South Island) show provincial boundaries, mountain ranges, ports, lakes, and early settlement names. Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, and Dunedin all appear, along with the Southern Alps and numerous bays and inlets. The separate inset of New Zealand in the lower right corner provides an even clearer view of its geography. Across the Pacific, the map identifies countless island groups with precision characteristic of 19th-century Dutch cartography. Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Tahiti, the Marquesas, the Society Islands, the Sandwich (Hawaiian) Islands, the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, and the Caroline and Mariana archipelagos are all carefully placed. Many islands are accompanied by historical or navigational notes, reflecting the maritime importance of the Pacific during the high age of exploration and trade. A set of inset maps highlights specific islands, including Tahiti and its surrounding waters, the Gambier Islands, and several areas of Hawaii, showing their coastlines and anchorages in greater detail. This map is an elegant combination of scientific accuracy and contemporary artistic engraving, making it an appealing piece for collectors of Australian history, Pacific exploration, cartography, or maritime heritage. Its large format and extensive geographic coverage provide a strong visual impact when framed. Condition report: Good condition with light age toning and scattered foxing, mainly in margins. Original center fold as issued. Engraving crisp and hand-colouring well preserved. No significant tears or repairs. Framing tips: A soft ivory mat enhances the delicate hand-colouring, while a teak, walnut, or dark oak frame harmonises beautifully with the map’s warm tones. For a more modern display, a simple black frame with generous white matting creates a clean gallery effect suitable for large wall spaces. See less