Pacific Ocean – Captain Cook’s Three Voyages French Antique Map 1817

Description

This Pacific Ocean map, dated 1817 and bearing the French title “Carte Générale des Voyages de Cook”, brings together the routes of Captain Cook’s three voyages. Its combination of geographical detail and expedition tracks makes it an engaging piece for collectors of antique maps, maritime history and exploration.

The composition places the Pacific between Asia, Oceania and the Americas, allowing the viewer to follow the voyages across a wide geographical area. Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific islands feature prominently, alongside the northern reaches of the ocean and the American coastline.

Historical place names are an important part of the map’s appeal. Australia appears as “Nouvelle Hollande”, while the Hawaiian archipelago is identified as the “Îles Sandwich”. These names offer a glimpse into the geographical vocabulary used in French publications during the early nineteenth century.

The engraved coastlines, numerous island names and plotted routes invite close examination. Rather than presenting a single destination, the map brings the voyages together within one geographical framework. The inscription “3e Atlas” appears above the map.

Printed in black and white, this antique sheet offers both historical interest and decorative appeal.

Details:
– Date: 1817.
– Medium: engraving on paper.
– Language: French.
– Colour: black and white.
– Sheet dimensions: 29.4 × 22.5 cm.
– Map image dimensions: 26.3 × 19.9 cm.

Condition: pronounced old horizontal and vertical folds, paper toning, scattered foxing and small stains. The margins show wear, with a tear and small marginal loss along the left edge. Please examine the detailed photographs carefully.

An appealing choice for a collection focusing on the Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii or the history of maritime exploration.