1748 Bowen Mariner’s Compass and Armillary Sphere
|
|
|
Description: A beautiful and rare chart consisting of two engraved drawings within a single border. Left hand drawing, entitled “A Circle of Winds consisting of 32 points commonly called the Mariners Compass,” shows exactly that – a compass rose consisting of 32 points and decorated with images of ship and cherubs using nautical equipment. The right hand drawing, entitled “The Artificial Sphere,” features an Armillary Sphere and more navigating cherubs. An extremely attractive engraving. Prepared by Emanuel Bowen as plate no. 2 for the 1747 issue of Herman Moll’s Complete System of Geography.
Date: 1747 (undated)
References: Rumsey 3733.002. P614 (1752 edition of A Complete Atlas...). NMM p.356. M&B p 166.
Cartographer: Emanuel Bowen (1714-1767) had the high distinction to be named Royal Mapmaker to both to King George II of England and Louis XV of France. Based in London from 1714 onwards, Bowen was highly regarded for producing some of the largest, most detailed, most accurate and most attractive maps of his era. He is known to have worked with some of the most prominent cartographic names of the period including Herman Moll, John Owen, and Thomas Kitchin. Despite his renown and success, Bowen, like many cartographers, died in poverty. Upon Emanuel Bowen's death, his cartographic work was taken over by his son, Thomas Bowen (?? - 1790) who also died in poverty. Click here for a list of rare maps from Emanuel Bowen.
Size: Printed area measures 12.5 x 8 inches (31.75 x 20.32 centimeters)
Condition: Very good condition. Minor margin repair in lower left corner. Else clean.
Code: CircleofWinds-bowen-1747 (Necessary for phone inquiries: 646-320-8650)
|