Old World Map of Eastern and Western Hemispheres by Tavernier, 1661: California as Island, Classical Winds, Concentric Design
Step into the world of 17th-century exploration with Melchior Tavernier’s exquisite “Carte de L’Amerique Nouvellement dressee suivant les Nouvelles descouvertes . . . 1661.” This remarkable map captures the spirit of an era where the boundaries of the known world were constantly being redrawn. Tavernier, a master cartographer, skillfully blends contemporary geographical knowledge with speculative elements, creating a captivating depiction of the world as it was imagined in 1661. The map’s intricate design and historical significance make it a must-have for collectors and history enthusiasts alike.
Tavernier’s map is a fascinating fusion of art and science, reflecting the cartographic advancements and misconceptions of its time. One of its most intriguing features is the depiction of California as an island, a popular myth perpetuated by European mapmakers for over a century. This geographical anomaly, alongside notations of Thomas Button’s quest for a Northwest Passage, highlights the era’s thirst for discovery and the enduring allure of the unknown.
The map’s design is a testament to Tavernier’s craftsmanship, featuring two hemispheres adorned with concentric circles that elegantly display compass points and the 12 Classical Winds of Timosthenes of Rhodes. These winds, meticulously labeled in both Latin and Greek, offer a glimpse into the navigational practices of ancient mariners. The map’s ornate borders and delicate illustrations further enhance its visual appeal, making it a striking piece of historical art.
Beyond its aesthetic charm, the map provides a rich tapestry of geographical and cultural insights. It portrays the continents of North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, with notable regions such as the Amazon and Rio de la Plata in South America, and the Arctic territories. The inclusion of speculative lands and mythical lakes, like the Lago de los Xarayes, reflects the blend of fact and fiction that characterized early modern cartography.
This map is not just a representation of the world as it was known in the 17th century; it is a window into the minds of those who dared to chart the uncharted. Melchior Tavernier’s work stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit of exploration and curiosity. Owning this map is akin to holding a piece of history, a reminder of the journeys that have shaped our understanding of the world.
Countries and regions on this map
- Continents:
- North America
- South America
- Europe
- Asia
- Africa
- Regions:
- California (shown as an island)
- Amazon and Rio de la Plata regions in South America
- Arctic regions
- Guiana and Lago de los Xarayes in South America
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Inset maps/Illustrations:
- Concentric circles with compass points and wind names.
- Bodies of water:
- Mer du Nord (North Sea)
- Mer du Sud (South Sea)
- Ocean Atlantique (Atlantic Ocean)
- Ocean Pacifique (Pacific Ocean)
- Historical notes/Annotations:
- Notations on Thomas Button’s search for a Northwest Passage.
- Descriptive labels for classical winds.
Historical and design context
- Mapmaker/Publisher: Melchior Tavernier, 1661.
- Themes:
- Depicts the eastern and western hemispheres.
- Includes contemporary cartographic information and conjecture.
- Shows California as an island, a common misconception of the time.
- Features the 12 Classical Winds of Timosthenes of Rhodes.
- Design/Style:
- Concentric circles with compass points and wind names.
- Blend of known geography and speculative elements.
- Historical significance:
- Reflects the cartographic knowledge and misconceptions of the 17th century.
- Illustrates the myth of California as an island.
- Incorporates classical and medieval wind systems, highlighting historical navigation methods.
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.
This map is wider than most maps, which would make it a perfect statement piece above a mantelpiece, sofa or desk.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.
Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father’s Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you’d like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.
