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1817 John Thomson's Handcolored Antique Map of St. Kitts, Nevis, and St. Lucia

About the Item

This is an antique map depicting the islands of St. Kitts (St. Christopher's) and Nevis in the West Indies, along with a smaller inset map of St. Lucia. The main map focuses on St. Kitts, with detailed topographical features such as mountain ranges, volcanic peaks, and plantation areas indicated by cross-hatching and stippling. The coastline is meticulously outlined, with bays and capes labeled. The island of Nevis appears in a smaller inset on the right, detailed in a similar fashion with its own unique landscape features. The inset of St. Lucia at the bottom left shows the rugged terrain of the island, including its mountains and natural harbors. Each island's map is framed within its own neat line border, with a title block for identification. The map appears to be hand-colored, a common practice of the time for high-quality maps, which emphasizes the land against the sea. Pink shading outlines the islands, while green tones likely represent lower elevations and yellow tones for higher elevations. The condition of the map suggests it has been well-preserved, with the paper maintaining its integrity and the colors remaining vivid. There are signs of aging, such as slight discoloration and possible foxing, but these are typical for documents of this era and do not significantly detract from the visual appeal or the information presented. This map would have been an important navigational aid for sailors and a source of geographic knowledge for those interested in the West Indies during the period it was made. The craftsmanship and detail also make it a fine example of cartographic art from the era. More about the maker: John Thomson was a notable Scottish cartographer from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He was active in Edinburgh, which was a center for Enlightenment science, literature, and education, and it became an important hub for cartographic publishing during that time. Thomson's work is best known for its accuracy, detail, and the aesthetic appeal of his maps. He published "Thomson's New General Atlas" around 1817, which was considered one of the most detailed world atlases of the time. This work was significant for its use of dramatic color and for including updates based on new discoveries and contemporary geopolitical changes. Thomson's maps were also distinctive for their lack of decorative embellishments, which were common in maps of the earlier periods. Instead, he focused on the clarity and functionality of the cartographic information, which made his maps particularly useful for navigators and scholars. The quality of the paper and printing techniques used by Thomson were also superior for the time, contributing to the longevity and crisp appearance of his maps. The New General Atlas by John Thomson included detailed maps of countries from around the world, reflecting the state of geographic knowledge during the Regency period. His works remain valuable to collectors and historians for their representation of historical geography and as artifacts of the cartographic arts of the early 19th century.

Dimensions:

Height: 21.07 in (53.5 cm)Width: 29.34 in (74.5 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)

Materials and Techniques:

Paper,Engraved

Period:

Early 19th Century

Date of Manufacture:

1817

Condition:

Good condition considering its age. The paper showing signs of aging and foxing that contribute to its antique character. The light browning, folds and creases are typical of maps that were used or stored in atlases. Study image carefully.

Seller Location:

Langweer, NL

Reference Number:

Seller: BG-31618-41stDibs: LU3054337731762