Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 6

1817 Map of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands with Original Hand Coloring

About the Item

The title provided for this map is "Porto Rico and Virgin Isles," and it is an antique map from an early 19th century atlas, dated 1817, featuring original hand coloring. This historic map showcases the geographical layout of Puerto Rico and the nearby Virgin Islands, including St. Thomas and St. Croix. The hand coloring is used to highlight different elevations and terrains, such as mountain ranges, valleys, and coastal areas. The age of the map, over 200 years old, is reflected in the paper's tone and the style of cartography. Despite its age, the map's lines and text are remarkably clear, indicating that it has been well-preserved. The fine detail in the engraving and the careful application of color demonstrate the high level of craftsmanship that went into making maps during this period. Maps like this one would have been important for navigation and trade in the Caribbean during the 19th century, as well as being valuable items for those interested in the region’s geography. The overall condition of the map appears to be good, with paper coloration consistent with its age. There might be some slight foxing or age-related toning, but it does not detract from the legibility or aesthetic quality of the map. The neat lines and margins are well-preserved, and the text is clear, suggesting the map has been well cared for over the years. However, the bottome has been enforced neatly and there is one tear not touching the image. The engraving is precise, and the hand coloring is applied with skill, which enhances the visual appeal of the map. This piece would have served as both a practical guide for navigation and a work of art for those interested in the geography of the West India Islands during the time it was created. More info 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: 25.99 in (66 cm)Width: 11.03 in (28 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1817
  • Condition:
    Additions or alterations made to the original: The lower margin has been enforced as the this map was the upper part of a page with Haiti, but split in two. Good condition considering its age. Flattened folding lines and one tear at the bottom not reaching the image. Original Bordercoloring. Minor foxing. Study image carefully. Ideal for framing or matting.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-31619-131stDibs: LU3054337731242

More From This Seller

View All
1825 Buchon Map of Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands with Detailed Colonial History
Located in Langweer, NL
This map of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, published by Jean Alexandre Buchon in 1825, offers a unique look at the Caribbean during a time of E...
Category

Antique 1820s Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of the Atlantic Islands, 1817
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Atlantic Islands'. Large map of the Atlantic Islands include the Cape Verde islands, Canary islands, Azore islands and Madeira islands. Also included a view of th...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Brabant, the Netherlands, with Original Hand Coloring
Located in Langweer, NL
Original antique map titled 'Novissima et Accuratissima Brabantiae Ducatus Tabula'. Old map of Brabant, the Netherlands. North is to the right. Like all other maps of Brabantiae Duca...
Category

Antique Mid-17th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Drenthe, the Netherlands, with Original Hand Coloring
Located in Langweer, NL
Original antique map titled 'Illustribus ac Potentibus Comitatus Drentiae (..)'. Old map of the province of Drenthe, the Netherlands. Published by H. Hondius circa 1639. Hendrik ...
Category

Antique Mid-17th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Large Antique Map of the Netherlands with Original Hand Coloring
Located in Langweer, NL
Original antique map titled 'Belgica Foederata complectens septem Provincias Ducatum Geldriae (..)". Large map of the Netherlands. Title a...
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Map of England with Hand Coloring
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Engand'. Original old map of England. Engraved by W. Milton. Published by John Mc. Gowan, circa 1829.
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Original Antique Map of The World by Thomas Clerk, 1817
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great map of The Eastern and Western Hemispheres On 2 sheets Copper-plate engraving Drawn and engraved by Thomas Clerk, Edinburgh. Published by Mackenzie And Dent, 1817 ...
Category

Antique 1810s English Maps

Materials

Paper

Large Original Antique Map of the The Windward Islands. 1894
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Superb Antique map of The Windward Islands Published Edward Stanford, Charing Cross, London 1894 Original colour Good condition Unframed. Free shipping
Category

Antique 1890s English Maps

Materials

Paper

Large Original Antique Map of The Greek Islands. 1894
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Superb Antique map of The Greek Islands Published Edward Stanford, Charing Cross, London 1894 Original colour Good condition Unframed. Free shipping
Category

Antique 1890s English Maps

Materials

Paper

Large Original Antique Map of The Falkland Islands. 1894
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Superb Antique map of The Falkland Islands Published Edward Stanford, Charing Cross, London 1894 Original colour Good condition Unframed. Free shipping
Category

Antique 1890s English Maps

Materials

Paper

Large Original Antique Map of The Leeward Islands. 1894
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Superb Antique map of The Leeward Islands Published Edward Stanford, Charing Cross, London 1894 Original colour Good condition Unframed. Free shipping
Category

Antique 1890s English Maps

Materials

Paper

Large Original Antique Map of The Canary Islands. 1894
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Superb Antique map of The Canary Islands Published Edward Stanford, Charing Cross, London 1894 Original colour Good condition Unframed. Free shipping
Category

Antique 1890s English Maps

Materials

Paper

Recently Viewed

View All