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Original Antique Map of the West Indies by J. Arrowsmith, 1842

About the Item

Title: "J. Arrowsmith's 19th Century Map of the West Indies" This original antique map, crafted by J. Arrowsmith, details the West Indies with a focus on the Caribbean Sea and its surrounding landmasses, including Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and the northern coastline of South America. The map, characterized by its fine engraving and delicate hand coloring, illustrates the various islands and key ports of the region, all meticulously labeled. It provides a historical perspective on the geography and colonial interests of the time. The subtlety of the color palette and the precision of the cartographic details not only make it a navigational piece but also a work of art. Notable for its comprehensive depiction of the Caribbean islands, this map is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of 19th-century cartography, embodying both the scientific knowledge and the aesthetic sensibilities of the era. The map depicts a large number of islands in the West Indies, which includes the Caribbean islands. Some of the primary landmasses and island groups visible include: 1. The large island at the left is part of Florida and the adjacent Florida Keys. 2. Cuba is the large island below Florida, to the left. 3. The Bahamas are to the northeast of Cuba. 4. Hispaniola, divided into Haiti (western portion) and the Dominican Republic (eastern portion), is to the east of Cuba. 5. Jamaica is located south of Cuba. 6. Puerto Rico is to the east of Hispaniola. 7. The Lesser Antilles, including both the Leeward Islands and the Windward Islands, arc towards the southeast from Puerto Rico. 8. The northern coast of South America, including parts of Colombia and Venezuela, is at the bottom right. These islands are part of a larger archipelago in the Caribbean Sea and are significant both geographically and historically. The map appears to detail the various smaller islands and cays that make up this region, each with its own topographical features and colonial affiliations as of the date of the map's creation. J. Arrowsmith refers to John Arrowsmith, a renowned British cartographer and member of the Arrowsmith family of geographers. He was born in 1790 and became one of the most respected mapmakers of the 19th century. John Arrowsmith was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his commitment to updating maps with the latest geographical knowledge. He established his own business in London in the 1830s, where he published a series of maps and charts which were highly praised for their accuracy and craftsmanship. Arrowsmith's maps covered all parts of the world and were used extensively for exploration, navigation, and colonization purposes. He was awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Geographical Society of which he was a member. John Arrowsmith's uncle, Aaron Arrowsmith, was also a distinguished cartographer, and his work set a high standard which John continued. The Arrowsmiths' maps were distinctive for their clarity and lack of unnecessary decoration, focusing instead on providing reliable information for the map's users. John Arrowsmith's contribution to cartography was significant during a period when geographical knowledge was rapidly expanding due to exploration, particularly in the Australian continent and the Canadian Arctic. His maps remain important historical documents and collectibles for their beauty and the wealth of information they provide. The map by J. Arrowsmith appears to be in relatively good condition for its age. The paper has retained its structure without any noticeable large tears or areas of loss. There is a natural aged tone to the paper, which is common for documents of this vintage, and it adds to its antique character. The colors on the map, though likely faded over time, still seem to have some vibrancy, suggesting the map has been reasonably well-preserved, possibly stored away from direct sunlight or in a climate-controlled environment to prevent significant deterioration. There are signs of folding or creasing, as indicated by the vertical and horizontal lines across the map, which is typical for maps that were designed to be folded for use or inserted into atlases. The edges show some wear, and there might be minor fraying or chipping, which is also consistent with the handling of maps over many years. Overall, the map's legibility is maintained, with text and cartographic details remaining clear, indicating that it has been cared for. For collectors or those interested in historical maps, its condition would likely be deemed satisfactory, especially given that such signs of aging are expected and often contribute to the map's historical value.

Dimensions:

Height: 20.87 in (53 cm)Width: 27.17 in (69 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)

Materials and Techniques:

Paper

Period:

Early 19th Century

Date of Manufacture:

1842

Condition:

Some folds and creases, which is typical for maps that were designed to be folded for use or inserted into atlases. The edges show some wear, and creases but once framed a beautiful piece.

Seller Location:

Langweer, NL

Reference Number:

Seller: BG-13618-51stDibs: LU3054337731372