Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

Map of the Lakes of the Globe 1856 – Comparative Chart of Inland Seas

$330.70per item
£248.96per item
€280per item
CA$455.56per item
A$510.19per item
CHF 266.21per item
MX$6,231.79per item
NOK 3,386.97per item
SEK 3,192.63per item
DKK 2,131.40per item
Quantity

About the Item

Map of the Lakes of the Globe 1856 – Comparative Chart of Inland Seas Description: This remarkable 19th-century comparative chart is titled Comparative Form and Extent of the Inland Seas and Lakes of the Globe. It was published in 1856 by William Blackwood & Sons of Edinburgh and London, as part of the educational and scientific work The Physical Atlas by Alexander Keith Johnston. This hand-colored lithograph presents a fascinating side-by-side comparison of the world’s major lakes and inland seas, drawn to a uniform scale and annotated with elevations above sea level. The print is divided by continent: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa are each represented with carefully rendered lakes shown in proportion to one another. Prominent bodies of water include the Great Lakes of North America, the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, the Dead Sea, the Aral Sea, Lake Titicaca, Lake Victoria, and many others. Each lake is labeled with detailed information such as depth, area, and elevation. The chart not only displays geographical features but also offers insight into 19th-century scientific understanding and comparative geography. One of the most interesting aspects of this print is how it visualizes the scale and location of lakes relative to each other in a single frame. This method of comparison was a hallmark of Johnston’s Physical Atlas, which aimed to make complex scientific data accessible through visual clarity. At a time when global travel and mapping were still developing, this print would have offered viewers a rare opportunity to comprehend distant and diverse geographic phenomena side by side. Alexander Keith Johnston was a pioneering Scottish geographer and cartographer. He held the title Geographer to the Queen for Scotland and was widely respected for the precision and clarity of his maps. His Physical Atlas, first published in 1848 and revised in the 1850s, was one of the earliest thematic atlases, influencing both cartographic design and geographic education. Condition summary: Very good condition. Light overall toning and a few small foxing spots near the margins. The hand-colored blue lake shading is clean and bright, and the paper remains strong and well-preserved. Framing tips: This visually structured print pairs well with a simple black or dark oak frame to enhance its scientific tone. A white or light ivory mat will provide contrast while maintaining a clean, archival presentation. UV-protective glass is advised to preserve color and clarity.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 10.79 in (27.4 cm)Width: 13.59 in (34.5 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1856
  • Condition:
    Very good condition. Light overall toning near the margins. The hand-colored blue lake shading is clean and bright, and the paper remains strong and well-preserved. Folding line as issued.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13207-31stDibs: LU3054345385802

More From This Seller

View All
River Systems Map of the World by A.K. Johnston – Educational Print 1852
Located in Langweer, NL
River Systems Map of the World by A.K. Johnston – Educational Print 1852 This striking 1852 map titled "The River Systems of the World" was created by the noted Scottish geographer ...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Scottish Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of the River Systems of Europe and Asia by Johnston '1850'
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'The River Systems of Europe and Asia showing the boundaries and comparative extent of the river basins'. Original antique map of the river systems of Europe and A...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Original Old Composite of Several Maps of the Ancient World on One Sheet, 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
This original antique map is from Karl Spruner von Merz's "Atlas Antiquus", later edited by Theodorus Menke. The map is a detailed depiction of the ancient world. The atlas it comes ...
Category

Antique 1880s Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of the River Systems of America by Johnston, '1850'
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'The River Systems of America showing the boundaries and comparative extent of the river basins'. Original antique map of the river systems of America. This map or...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

19th-Century Decorative Map of British America with Arctic and Pacific Vignettes
Located in Langweer, NL
19th-Century Decorative Map of British America with Arctic and Pacific Vignettes This 19th-century map of British America, drawn and engraved by J. Rapkin and published by J & F T...
Category

Antique 1850s Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of British America by Tallis 'c.1850'
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'British America'. Decorative map of British America, with vignettes showing Whale Fishing, Montreal, Fury and Hecla ships asail. Thi...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

1864 Original illustrated planisphere - World Map - Geography
Located in PARIS, FR
Immerse yourself in the epic journey of the past with the Illustrated Historical Planisphere of 1864 by Charpentier! 🗺️ This cartographic treasure transports you through the intrica...
Category

1860s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Linen, Lithograph, Paper

Original Antique Map of North America by Dower, circa 1835
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Nice map of North America Drawn and engraved by J.Dower Published by Orr & Smith. C.1835 Unframed. Free shipping
Category

Antique 1830s English Maps

Materials

Paper

Manitoba, British Columbia and NW Territories, Canada. Century Atlas antique map
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'The Century Atlas. Manitoba, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories, Canada, North America.' Original antique map, 1903. Central fold as issued. Map name and number printe...
Category

Early 20th Century Victorian More Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Large Original Antique Map of The World, Fullarton, C.1870
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great map of the World. Showing both hemispheres From the celebrated Royal Illustrated Atlas Lithograph. Original color. Published by Fullarton, Edinburgh, C.1870 Unframed. Rep...
Category

Antique 1870s Scottish Maps

Materials

Paper

Michigan, Northern Part. USA. Century Atlas state antique vintage map
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'The Century Atlas. Michigan, Northern Part' Original antique map, 1903. Central fold as issued. Map name and number printed on the reverse corners. Sheet 29.5cm by 40cm.
Category

Early 20th Century Victorian More Prints

Materials

Lithograph

North America. Century Atlas antique vintage map
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'The Century Atlas. North America' Original antique map, 1903. Central fold as issued. Map name and number printed on the reverse corners. Sheet 40cm by 29.5cm.
Category

Early 20th Century Victorian More Prints

Materials

Lithograph