Herman Moll Early 18th-Century Map Engraving of North American British Colonies
Item Details
An early 18th-century hand-colored map engraving of the North American British Colonies by British cartographer Herman Moll (c. 1654-1732). Titled A New and Exact Map of the Dominions of the King of Great Britain on ye Continent of North America. and referred to as Moll’s ‘Beaver Map’, this large-scale map shows the British colonies in North America and American postal routes. It also includes information about territorial claims, indigenous tribes, and the fur trade. It is mounted on a tan surface, presented under glass, and housed in a gold-tone gesso wood frame.
Based in London and Holland, Herman Moll is a highly collected mapmaker of the 18th century. He was among a group of men who met at Jonathan’s Coffeehouse to trade stock, a circle that included writers Daniel Defoe, Jonathan Swift, scientist Robert Hooke, among other famed scholars. Moll is especially known for the monthly magazine Atlas Geographus and his famed atlas The World Described. In addition, he produced maps for books such as Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels.
Condition
- wear consistent with age; folding creases throughout map; some foxing and toning scattered throughout; tape remnants along edges; small tears along edges and fold creases; some wear in frame includes stains, scratches, and finish loss scattered throughout.
Dimensions
- measurement of frame; plate marks measure approximately 23.75" W x 40.25" H.
Item #
18DCC239-006
