Historic Maps
1750s French World Map with Explorers’ Routes & Dates
c. 1750, Hand-Colored World Map in Double Hemisphere, “Mappe Monde ou Description du Globe Terrestre,” by Hendrik de Leth, Very Rare, Choice Very Fine.
This Engraved Copperplate Printed Map of the World measures 26.5” x 18.75” (by sight), being Framed to an overall size of 28.25” x 20.25”. It was printed in Paris and inscribed in French text. This Map presents the World as Two Globes, with Europe, Asia and Africa occupying one, and North and South America occupying the other. No continent is shown in the southern regions, and the shape of Australia, which is shown connected to New Guinea and New Zealand, was uncertain, as noted on the Map.

The other land masses are shown fairly accurately for the c. 1750 time period, with California correctly drawn as a peninsula, but the northwest portion of North America was here still a mystery. Alaska is completely missing. This Map is based in part on the reports of explorers, and includes the routes of various explorers, dates of discoveries, iceberg areas, and other interesting information. The simple more modern wooden Frame shows minor scuffs and a chip in the veneer in lower left corner. The Map itself is Hand-Colored in green, yellow and brown, with additional colors used for the lovely decorations around the two cartouches. This Map is in pleasing choice condition and is currently matted and framed (not examined outside the frame). Ready to hang upon display.