Items Similar to Old Map of the Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi Valley, Northern America, c1780
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 5
Old Map of the Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi Valley, Northern America, c1780
About the Item
Antique map titled 'Partie Occidentale du Canada'.
A fine example of Rigobert Bonne and Guilleme Raynal's 1780 map of the Great Lakes and upper Mississippi Valley.
A map of considerable importance, this chart was constructed during a period of aggressive exploration into this region. Explorers, seeking a 'westward passage' to the Pacific, believed an inland water route was not only reasonable, but highly likely. With no concept that the vast barrier of the Rocky Mountains stood in their way, they mapped out the likely courses for this route, as depicted on this map. They believed one could pass through the Great Lakes and, roughly following the current US-Canada border, pass upriver to Rainey Lake (L. Tecamamiouen)and then, through another River, to the Lake of the Woods (Lac des Bois), then, via another river, to (though it does not appear on this map) Lake Winnipeg. Here the water route westward ends - though at the time they didn't know it.
Throughout this map, Bonne attempts to document rivers, mountains, forts, and American Indian tribes and villages with the most recent data obtainable. He identifies the lands of the Sioux, the Iroquois (Five Nations), the Algonquians, the Illinois, and many others. Chicago (Chicagou) and Detroit both appear as forts. The Great Lakes are mapped with a rough approximation of accuracy, though Lake Superior does include a number of apocryphal islands including I. Ponchartrain and I. Minong (also known as Phillipeaux).
These islands first appeared Bellin's mapping of the region in 1750s and continued to appear until the 1820s. Also of note are the possible headwaters of the Mississippi, which the map describes as 'La Source en est inconnue.' This map originates from 'Atlas de toutes les parties connues du globe terrestre, dressé Pour l'Histoire Philosophique et Politique des établissements et du Commerce des Européens dans les deux Indes' by G. Raynal.
Artists and Engravers: Rigobert Bonne (1727-1795 ) was one of the most important cartographers of the late 18th century. In 1773 he succeeded Jacques Bellin as Royal Cartographer to France in the office of the Hydrographer at the Depôt de la Marine. Working in his official capacity Bonne compiled some of the most detailed and accurate maps of the period. Bonne's work represents an important step in the evolution of the cartographic ideology away from the decorative work of the 17th and early 18th century towards a more detail oriented and practical aesthetic. With regard to the rendering of terrain Bonne maps bear many stylistic similarities to those of his predecessor, Bellin. However, Bonne maps generally abandon such common 18th century decorative features such as hand coloring, elaborate decorative cartouches, and compass roses. While mostly focusing on coastal regions, the work of Bonne is highly regarded for its detail, historical importance, and overall aesthetic appeal.
Condition: Good, given age. Original middle fold as issued. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study image carefully.
- Dimensions:Height: 10.32 in (26.2 cm)Width: 14.85 in (37.7 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:1780-1789
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1780
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:
About the Seller
5.0
Platinum Seller
These expertly vetted sellers are 1stDibs' most experienced sellers and are rated highest by our customers.
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
1,933 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- Copper Engraved Map of Tierra del Fuego and the Strait of Magellan, c1780Located in Langweer, NLAntique map titled 'Extremite Meridionale de l'Amerique.' Copper engraved map of Tierra del Fuego and the Strait of Magellan with five detailed insets of the region showing soundings, anchorages, etc. Engraved by Andre. This map originates from 'Atlas de Toutes les Parties Connues du Globe Terrestre'. Artists and Engravers: Rigobert Bonne (1727-1795 ) was one of the most important cartographers of the late 18th century. In 1773 he succeeded Jacques Bellin as Royal Cartographer to France in the office of the Hydrographer at the Depôt de la Marine. Working in his official capacity Bonne compiled some of the most detailed and accurate maps of the period. Bonne's work represents an important step in the evolution of the cartographic ideology away from the decorative work of the 17th and early 18th century towards a more detail oriented and practical aesthetic. With regard to the rendering of terrain Bonne maps...Category
Antique 1780s Maps
MaterialsPaper
- Decorative Map of the French Regions of Picardy, Artois & French Flanders, c1780Located in Langweer, NLAntique map titled 'Carte des Gouvernements de Flandre Francoise, d'Artois, de Picardie et du Boulenois.' An attractive example of Rigobert Bonne's 1771 decorative map of the Fre...Category
Antique 1780s Maps
MaterialsPaper
- Antique Map of China, Korea, Japan and the Northern Philippines, circa 1780Located in Langweer, NLAntique map titled 'Carte de l'Empire de la Chine de la Tartarie Chinoise, et du Royaume de Corée'. Interesting and detailed map of China, Korea, Japan and the Northern Philippines. ...Category
Antique Late 18th Century Maps
MaterialsPaper
- Colourful Old Detailed Map of Northern Carolina, United States of AmericaLocated in Langweer, NLVintage map titled 'The Geographical Publishing Company's Premier Map of North Carolina'. Beautiful map of North Carolina. This map originates from Commercial Atlas of the World'. Pu...Category
Early 20th Century Maps
MaterialsPaper
- Antique Map of Northern Europe and European Russia, ca.1780Located in Langweer, NLAntique map titled 'Le Nord de L'Europe, Contenant Le Danemark, La Norwege; La Suede et La Laponie avec la Majeure Partie de al Russie Europeenne.' Map of Northern Europe and Eur...Category
Antique 1780s Maps
MaterialsPaper
- Old German Map of Northern America with Attractive Hand Colouring, 1864Located in Langweer, NLInteresting German map of Northern America in a handsome coloring. Genuine antique hand colored map of North America, with handsome detail, in German detai...Category
Antique 1860s Maps
MaterialsPaper
You May Also Like
- Original Antique Map of South America. C.1780Located in St Annes, LancashireGreat map of South America Copper-plate engraving Published C.1780 Two small worm holes to left side of map Unframed.Category
Antique Early 1800s English Georgian Maps
MaterialsPaper
- Original Antique Map of Italy. C.1780Located in St Annes, LancashireGreat map of Italy Copper-plate engraving Published C.1780 Unframed.Category
Antique Early 1800s English Georgian Maps
MaterialsPaper
- Original Antique Map of Asia. C.1780Located in St Annes, LancashireGreat map of Asia Copper-plate engraving Published C.1780 Two small worm holes to right side of map Unframed.Category
Antique Early 1800s English Georgian Maps
MaterialsPaper
- Original Antique Map of India. C.1780Located in St Annes, LancashireGreat map of India Copper-plate engraving Published C.1780 Three small worm holes to right side of map and one bottom left corner Unframed.Category
Antique Early 1800s English Georgian Maps
MaterialsPaper
- Old Nautical Map of CorsicaLocated in Alessandria, PiemonteST/556/1 - Old map of Corsica isle, surveyed by Captain Hell, of the French Royal Navy in 1824, engraved and published on 1874, with additions and corre...Category
Antique Early 19th Century English Other Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Old Horizontal Map of EnglandBy TassoLocated in Alessandria, PiemonteST/520 - Old rare Italian map of England, dated 1826-1827 - by Girolamo Tasso, editor in Venise, for the atlas of M.r Le-Sage.Category
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Other Prints
MaterialsPaper
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
American Of Chicago Furniture
Northern French Furniture
Great Northern
Upper Canada
Great Pacific
Antique Old Bears
Old Antique Bears Antique
17th Century American Furniture
Old Document
Great Lakes Antique
Route Map
French Map Of America
Antique Maps And Charts
Compass Map
Map Of The Pacific
Old American Maps
Antique Globes And Maps
Antique Maps And Globes