Antique Map of the World on Mercator's Projection

Highly detailed large format map of the World, centered on Australia, with the Americas in the east.

Antarctica is just beginning to take shape south of Tierra del Fuego, with the naming of Terre de la Trinite. The NW Coast of America is still somewhat primitive, although the NW passage is now clearly defined. Australia is called Notasie ou Nouvelle Hollande, a rare appearance of this name on a map. Remarkable detail throughout. Decorative swash lettering in the title.

Beginning in the early 19th Century, Lapie was one of the leading French mapmakers, at a time when much of the great exploration and travel literature was being published in French. Lapie was often the engraver of maps which were included in these books. As a result, he often incorporated the most recent information and discoveries in his maps, often appearing prior to the official report from which the information derived. His maps are now prized for their detail, accuracy and attractive engraving style.