"Planisphere Physique ou l'on voit du Pole Septentrional ce que l'on Connoit de Terres et de Mers...", Buache/Dezauche

Subject: World
Period: 1780 (circa)
Color: Hand Color
Size: 13.2 x 17.2

This uncommon and unusual thematic map is presented on a North Polar projection and depicts the tracks of several important explorers including Tasman, Halley and Magellan. The color-coding identifies which landmasses drain into the various bodies of water around the world. Inland detail is confined to rivers and major mountain ranges depicted with strong hachures. In North America there is a large Sea of the West and a nearly complete Northwest Passage. Australia is still shown with a conjectural coastline, making it considerably too wide. The continent connects to both New Guinea and Terre du St. Esprit (the Land of the Holy Ghost), discovered by Queiroz. Engraved by Desbruslins.

References: McGuirk #60; Phillips (Maps) p. 1091; Potter pp.178-9 (illus).
Condition: B
Contemporary color on watermarked paper with wide margins, light toning, scattered foxing primarily confined to blank margins, and some creasing along the centerfold.