1812 Pinkerton Map of the Western Hemisphere
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Description: A beautiful example of John Pinkerton's 1812 map of the Western Hemisphere. Includes all of North America and South America. Extends westward as far as New Zealand and the New Hebrides Islands and Eastwards as far as the Cape Verdes Islands and the Azores.
The North American portion of this map offers excellent detail reflecting the recent (at that time) explorations of Alexander von Humboldt's expeditions in the American west. Shows the Great Salt Lake as Lake of the Timpanagos. Much of the cartography in the extreme arctic is extremely speculative, though Pinkerton does note sightings of the Arctic Sea by several explorers.
South America is well drawn though its interior is largely unexplored. Pinkerton notes the semi- apophrycal Lake of Parima, supposed site of El Dorado. in what is most likely modern day Guyana. Antarctica appears as a tiny sliver of land in the lower right corner of the map, labeled "Southern Thule".
Prepared by John Pinkerton for issue in the 1815 Cadell and Davies edition of Pinkerton's Modern Atlas.
Date: 1812 (dated)
Source: Pinkerton, J., A modern atlas, from the latest and best authorities, exhibiting the various divisions of the world, with its chief empires, kingdoms and states, in sixty maps, carefully reduced from the largest and most authentic sources., 1815 Cadell & Davies Edition.
References: Rumsey 0732.001. Phillips (Atlases) 7302.
Cartographer: John Pinkerton (1758-1826) was one of the leading masters of the Edinburgh school of cartography which flourished from roughly 1800 to 1830. Pinkerton & his contemporaries (Thomson & Cary) redefined European cartography by abandoning typical 18th century decorative elements such as elaborate title cartouches and fantastical beasts in favor of detail and accuracy. Pinkerton's principle work is the "Pinkerton's Modern Atlas" published from 1808 through 1815 with a special American reissue by Dobson & Co. in 1818. Today Pinkerton maps are becoming increasingly rare as they are highly admired for their unsurpassed quality, monumental size, vivid hand coloration, and flawless detail. Click here for a list of rare maps from John Pinkerton.
Size: Printed area measures 20 x 21 inches (50.8 x 53.34 centimeters)
Condition: Good conditoin. Light marginal toning. Minor discoloration and wear along original centerfold. Blank on verso.
Code: WesternHemisphere-pinkerton-1812 (Necessary for phone inquiries: 646-320-8650)
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