1775 Lotter Map of the World on a Hemisphere Projection
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Description: This is a stunning double hemisphere map of the world prepared by Guillaume de L’Isle and published by Tobias Conrad Lotter in 1775. The map is based upon the remarkable work of Guillaume de L’Isle. Depicts the entire world on a hemisphere projection with two smaller hemispheres describing the Polar Regions. In accordance with de L’Isle’s rather high minded perspective on speculative cartography this map shows considerable restraint with regard to unknown and unexplored regions - particularly the northwestern parts of America, the northeastern parts of Asia, and the Australian continent. Unexplored areas are largely left blank. A few interesting anomalies did, however, work their way into this map. The most interesting of these is the depiction of “Frislandia” between Iceland and Greenland. Frislandia, not to be confused with Frisland, on the European mainland, is a “Ghost Island” that supposed appeared and disappeared on the horizon. Most maps issued by 1750 or so abandoned this notion, but as the legend and indeed this map attest, the island does have a habit of reappearing! On the opposite side of the world Japan is shown as a peninsula attached to the Asian Mainland of Yedso. Further east the mythical land of Terre de la Compagnie is also noted. To the south, Van Diemen’s Land or Tasmania make a cursory appearance as does Antarctica, labeled “Cap. Terrae Australes”. Australia is shows attached to New Guinea. New Zealand is not present. Shows the Saragossa Sea. Includes route markings delineating the explorations of Chaumont, Magellan, Tasmani, Dampieri and Olivieri, among others. The top center is dominated by a large allegorical title cartouche in the baroque style with continents depicted as royalty.
Date: 1775 (dated)
References: Osher Map Library, OL2211. Library of Congress, Map Division, G3200 1690 .L5 Vault. National Library of Australia, NK 4628.
Cartographer: Tobias Conrad Lotter (1717 - 1777) was a German engraver and map publisher. He married the daughter of prominent map publisher Matthaus Seutter, the Elder. Upon Seutter's retirement Lotter took control of the firm and republished many of his maps with minor updated and changes. In time, Lotter became one of the most prominent mid 18th century map publishers working in the German school. After his death in 1777, the firm was taken over by his son, Mathias Albrecht Lotter who republished and updated many of his father's maps. Click here for a list of rare maps from Tobias Conrad Lotter.
Cartographer: The De L'Isle family (fl. c. 1700 - c. 1760) (also written Delisle) were, in composite, a mapmaking tour de force who redefined early 18th century European cartography. Claude De L'Isle (1644 -1720), the family patriarch, was a minor geographer and historian based in Paris. His four sons, Guillaume (1675- 1726), Simon Claude (1675 - 1726), Joseph Nicholas (1688 - 1768) and Louis (1720 - 1745) each made an important contribution to cartography. Without a doubt Guillaume was the most remarkable member of the family. It is said that Guillaume's skill as a cartographer was so prodigious that he drew his first map at just nine years of age. He was tutored by J. D. Cassini in astronomy, science, mathematics and cartography. By applying these diverse disciplines to the vast stores of information provided by 18th century navigators, Guillaume created the technique that came to be known as "scientific cartography". This revolutionary approach transformed the field of cartography and created a more accurate picture of the world. Among Guillaume's many firsts are the first naming of Texas, the first correct map of the Mississippi, the final rejection of the "insular California fallacy", and the first identification of the correct longitudes of America. Stylistically De L'Isle also initiated important changes to the medium, eschewing the flamboyant Dutch style of the previous century in favor of a highly detailed decorative approach that yielded map both beautiful and informative. Guillaume was elected to the French Academie Royale des Sciences at 27. Later, in 1718, he was also appointed "Premier Geographe du Roi", an office created especially for him. De L'Isle personally financed the publication of most of his maps, hoping to make heavy royalties on their sales. Unfortunately he met an untimely death in 1728, leaving considerable debt and an impoverished child and widow. De L'Isle's publishing firm was taken over by his assistant, Phillipe Buache who became, posthumously, his son in law. The other De L'Isle brothers, Joseph Nicholas and Louis De L'Isle, were employed in the Service of Peter the Great of Russia as astronomers and surveyors. They are responsible for cataloguing and compiling the data obtained from Russian expeditions in the Pacific and along the northwest coast of America, including the seminal explorations of Vitus Bering and Aleksei Chirikov. Click here for a list of maps by the De L'Isle (Delisle) family.
Size: Printed area measures 25.5 x 18 inches (64.77 x 45.72 centimeters)
Condition: Good condition. Margins added to left and right sides. Backed with japanese paper for stability.
Code: TotiusMundi-lotter-1775 (Necessary for phone inquiries: 646-320-8650)
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