Art

Moll's famous "codfish map", so-called for its large and informative cartouche of the cod industry, also notable for the magnificent title cartouche dedicated to Lord Sommers. Dried codfish was the staple diet of the Royal Navy, and the fish itself was popular all over Europe. The British also had the largest fishing boat fleet off the Grand Banks. Moll was a German émigré who settled and lived in London. As a newly patriotic and loyal Englishman, Moll wished to depict codfish as being one of the great commercial success stories of the British colonization of North America. Moll highlights ten important ports and harbours from Boston to Cartagena and Acapulco, and includes information about the annual Spanish treasure convoys that picked up gold, silver, and gems from their ports in Mexico and Central America. In London, Moll patronised Jonathan's Coffee House, in Cornhill. It was here that City equity traders and speculators would meet and discuss matters of importance and interest. Other patrons included the authors Jonathan Swift, Daniel Defoe, the archaeologist William Stukely, the seafarers William Dampier and William Hacke, the scientist Robert Hooke, and the piratical Woodes Rogers. 2 sheets joined. Size: 595 x 980 mm. In handmade frame, 1180 x 810 mm. Copperplate engraving with original outline colour. Some skilful paper restoration to map folds and to worm holes, minor patches of light discolouration. In very good condition.