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Southern Hemisphere by John Thomson

£250.00 Approx $315.66, €292.4

Code: 54240



 Date: 1815

Copper engraving with original pale hand colouring.  Overall sheet size: 53.2cms x 64.2cms.  Image size: 508mm x 505mm (hemisphere size). Centrefold as published. Detailed map of the Southern Hemisphere  showing also New Holland in detail, part of South America, part of Africa and numerous island chains (New Zealand is labelled Tavia Boen Amoo and Bohet Nomadia) ; names and dates of the discoveries by Cooke etc are given. The map also illustrates the  lack of knowledge of Antarctica.  A fascinating, finely engraved and coloured map providing a snapshot of early C19th exploration. Old repair on verso (15cms along crease above title) else very good condition.
John Thomson was one of the leading exponents of the Edinburgh school of cartography which reached its zenith between 1800 and 1830. Thomson & his contemporaries such as Pinkerton and Cary redefined European cartography by abandoning such 18th century decorative elements  as elaborate title cartouches and fantastic beasts in favour of detail and accuracy. Thomson’s principle works include the Thomson’s New General Atlas published from 1814 though 1827 (from which this map originates) and his Atlas of Scotland. The Atlas of Scotland, a work of groundbreaking detail and dedication would eventually bankrupt the Thomson firm in 1830.  His maps are prized today for the quality of their detail, their size and the attractiveness of the original colouring.