"Amerique" c 1700 - California as an Island - Bossuet

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AMERIQUE  Paris:  Jacques Beningne Bossuet, c. 1700.  From Discours sur l’Histoire Universelle (Speech of Universal History).  Engraved map with original folds and later hand-coloring. (Image 5 x 6 3/8’’)

This miniature map which is based on Sanson’s pocket atlas depicts the Western Hemisphere in remarkable detail. 

California is shown as an island separated from the continent by “Mer Rubrum” or the Red Sea. Following Henry Briggs map of North America showing California as an island, it became an accepted geographical misconception continuing well into the 18th century.

Tierra del Fuego is correctly shown as an island and Le Maire Strait is noted (on the eastern extremity of Tierra del Fuego).

In the South Pacific there is a partial coastline for Quiri Regio, yet no sign of New Zealand.  The short-lived Dania Nova is shown west of Hudson Bay (named by Jens Munk on his ill-fated Arctic expedition to find a passage to India).  

Presented in an archival 11x13''  mat

  • Inventory# M-13511
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