C1744

A New and Accurate Map of the World Drawn from the best Authorities and Regulated by Astronomical Observations: describing the course of each of the following circum-navigators vizt. Ferdinand Magellan Sr. Francis Drake, and Commodore Anson By Eman. Bowen Geography to His majesty.

Mapmaker:

$A 1,350

Rare, c.18th hand coloured world map by Emmanuel Bowen (1693-1767) on a ovaloid projection, with the tracks of the following circumnavigators; Ferdinand Magellan, Sir Francis Drake and Commodore Anson. The map depicts Australia according to Abel Tasman’s first and second … Read Full Description

Add to Cart

In stock

S/N: NAIB-1007-WM–317421

(RW07)

Categories: WORLD, MAPS & GLOBES

Within Australia

All orders free shipping

Rest of the World

Orders over A$300 ship free worldwide

Details

Full Title:

A New and Accurate Map of the World Drawn from the best Authorities and Regulated by Astronomical Observations: describing the course of each of the following circum-navigators vizt. Ferdinand Magellan Sr. Francis Drake, and Commodore Anson By Eman. Bowen Geography to His majesty.

Date:

C1744

Mapmaker:

Emanuel Bowen (1693 - 1767)

Condition:

Minor repaired split at lower left sheet edge, as often found, otherwise in good condition, with folds as issued.

Technique:

Hand coloured copper engraving.

Image Size:

542mm

x 336mm

Paper Size:

561mm

x 402mm

Genuine antique
dated:

1744

Description:

The map depicts Australia according to Abel Tasman’s first and second voyages 1642-1644 but with a hypothetical east coast extending from Van Diemen’s Land to New Guinea. The VOC had appointed Tasman on 1 August 1642 as commander of the Heemskerck and Zeehaen with instructions to explore the unknown and previously undiscovered areas of the South Land, the southeast coast of New Guinea and surrounding islands. Tasman’s two voyages resulted in the charting of the northern, northwestern and southern limits of the continent as well as the discovery of part of the New Zealand coast.

From Harris, J. Navigantium atque itinerantium bibliotheca or, a Complete Collection of Voyages and Travel.

Collections:
National Library Australia: Bib ID 998720
National Library New Zealand: fREng HARR Navi 1744
State Library New South Wales: Call Number: RB/F909.8A/13
State Library Victoria: RARESF 910.8 H24 B
State Library South Australia: RGS Special Coll. 910.8 H314 d

References:
Sabin, J. A Dictionary of Books Relating to America, from its Discovery to the Present Time. New York. (1936) 1967 : 30483.
Hill, J. The Hill Collection of Pacific Voyages. San Diego 1974 : 775.
National Library Australia, Mapping Our World. Canberra 2013 : p.143.

Emanuel Bowen (1693 - 1767)

Prominent c.18th Welsh map engraver and geographer who held the prestigious title of Royal Mapmaker, to both King George II of Great Britain and Louis XV of France. Born around 1694 in Talley, Carmarthenshire, he moved to London to apprentice under the globe maker Charles Price. By the 1720s, he had established himself as a leading figure in the London map-making trade, known for a signature style that combined technical accuracy with an abundance of decorative and informative detail.

His work was characterized by a tendency to fill the empty spaces of his maps with dense historical notes, geographical descriptions, and elaborate cartouches. This made his maps not only tools for navigation but also encyclopaedic resources for the 18th-century reader. Later in his career, he collaborated with Thomas Kitchin to produce The Large English Atlas, which remained one of the most comprehensive sets of English county maps for decades.

Despite his prolific output and the high status of his clientele, Bowen’s life ended in financial hardship. He trained several notable apprentices, including his son Thomas Bowen and his son-in-law Thomas Kitchin, yet he struggled to maintain his wealth. By the time of his death in May 1767, he had lost much of his eyesight and lived in poverty, reportedly due to family expenses.

View other items by Emanuel Bowen