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Description: This beautifully hand coloured original antique map* of Australia - one of the earliest near complete maps dedicated to the Island Continent - was engraved in 1753 by Jacques Nicolas Bellin - date engraved in the title -and was published by Antoine Prevost in Histoire Generale Des Voyages.
Background: This is one of the few 18th century maps to focus on the Australian continent prior to Cook's famous first voyage from 1768-1771. Mainland Australia is connected to both Tasmania (Terre de Van Diemen) and Papua New Guinea (Nouv. Guinee). Along the imaginary eastern coastline is a note that reads: "I suppose that the land of Diemen can join with the land of the Holy Ghost, but this is without proof." A partial coastline of New Zealand is shown peeking out of the corner of the map, with a note that it was discovered by Abel Tasman in 1642 and speculation that it might be part of a great southern continent. This is an important map of Australia depicting the interesting theories made prior to exploration of the region later in the 18th century. (Ref: Tooley; M&B)
General Description: Paper thickness and quality: - Heavy and stable Paper color: - off white Age of map color: - Early Colors used: - Yellow, green, red, brown. General color appearance: - Authentic and fresh Paper size: - 12 1/2in x 9 1/4in (320mm x 230mm) Plate size: - 11 3/4n x 8 1/2in (295mm x 215mm) Margins: - Min ½in (12mm)
Imperfections: Margins: - None Plate area: - Folds as issued Verso: - None