Art

This interesting and intriguing map by Herman Moll was published as a possible rebuttal to the Frenchman Guillaume DeLisle's claims to French possessions in America via his earlier map of 1718 of the Mississippi valley. This map, and that of Delisle, were strategic and important weapons in the cartographic war that raged at that time between France and Britain for European dominance in America. The map is decorated with a large inset of "The Indian Fort Sasquesahanor", the fort according DeLisle's map marked the dividing line between French and British territories. There are two inset plans: that of Annapolis harbour, and the mouth of the Mississippi river in the Gulf of Mexico. There is a delightful cartouche dedicated to Thomas Bromsall. This is a map that has strong decorative, cartographic and political appeal to the collector and scholar alike. 2 sheets joined. Size: 630 x 1040 mm. Some skilful paper restoration to map folds and to worm holes, some staining, however, the overall condition is excellent.