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19th Century Illustrated Map of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) with Notable Landmarks
About the Item
John Tallis & Company is known for producing maps and atlases that were highly regarded for their accurate cartographic detail and their distinctive style. They often included ornate borders and decorative vignettes depicting culturally and historically relevant scenes of the areas they represent. These vignettes served as illustrations of local scenes, people, and historical events, providing a visual context for the places on the map.
The map of Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka, from Tallis's series would be a fine example of their work. Ceylon was an important British colony at the time, and maps like these would have been used both for administrative purposes and for educating the British public about their empire.
Robert Montgomery Martin, often credited with the text accompanying these maps, was a civil servant, a colonial administrator, and an author with a deep interest in the British Empire and its colonies. He was involved in various aspects of colonial administration and trade, and his works reflected his interests in economics, history, and geography.
Tallis maps are appreciated not just as navigational tools but also as works of art and historical documents. They represent a time when the British Empire was at its height, and they reflect the Victorian interest in exploration, commerce, and the wider world. Collectors and historians value them for their beauty and the insight they provide into 19th-century colonial attitudes and knowledge.
Regarding the countries depicted, many of the regions shown in the Tallis series have undergone significant changes since the time of publication. Borders have shifted, countries have gained independence, and names have changed. The maps offer a snapshot of the world as it was understood in the Victorian era.
The Tallis series itself was among the last decorative map series produced as the industrial age was turning toward more utilitarian and less artistic representations. As such, they represent the end of an era in map-making.
More details of the map and its insets:
The insets on the map of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) are small, detailed illustrations that embellish the cartographic information with cultural, historical, and geographical context. They are typical of the style of Tallis maps, which combined practical cartography with decorative artistry.
1. **Temple of Buddha, KALANY**: This inset appears to depict a grand Buddhist temple, indicative of the country's deep-rooted Buddhist traditions. The presence of a stupa-like structure suggests the temple is significant for Buddhist worship and may be a site of pilgrimage. The lush vegetation and architectural style reflect the tropical climate and cultural heritage of the region.
2. **COLOMBO**: The port city of Colombo is shown from a coastal perspective, highlighting its importance as a maritime hub. The image shows several ships in the harbor, pointing to the active trade and colonial influence of the time. Notably, the colonial architecture, such as the clock tower, reveals the European impact on the city's development.
3. **LAKE OF KANDY**: This illustration presents a serene view of the Lake of Kandy, surrounded by the hill country. Kandy was the last capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka and is known for its scenic beauty and historical significance. The calm water, the gentle hills in the background, and the classical pavilion style buildings suggest a place of both beauty and cultural importance.
4. **RUINS OF A DAGORA, TOOFARAMAYA**: This vignette captures the ruins of a dagoba (stupa), which is a typical structure in Buddhist temple complexes. The depiction of ruins indicates the long history of the island and the presence of ancient civilizations. The tropical flora indicates the natural environment in which these historical sites are found.
These vignettes serve not only as decorations but also as a window into the life, history, and environment of Ceylon during the time of the British colonial period. They provide a visual narrative that complements the map's geographical information, offering a snapshot of the land, its monuments, and its colonial urban centers.
- Dimensions:Height: 14.26 in (36.2 cm)Width: 10.71 in (27.2 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1851
- Condition:Good given age. Original fold in middle as published. General age-related toning, please study scan carefully.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Langweer, Netherlands
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