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If you're new to collecting antique maps its unlikely that canal or river maps are going to be the first thing that springs to mind. As I mentioned in a previous post just about every subject, size, shape, form and kind of antique map is out there if you look. This includes some exceptional and rare river maps.
I've been fortunate to live near the river Thames near London on and off for most of my life. Maybe you have a connection in your own past with a town or river that brings back fond memories perhaps from when you were growing up. Do you now live near a famous river? Do you know if any good antique maps of that river exist? Its worth doing some research, a river map may be just what you want to add to your new collection.
I've been fortunate to live near the river Thames near London on and off for most of my life. Maybe you have a connection in your own past with a town or river that brings back fond memories perhaps from when you were growing up. Do you now live near a famous river? Do you know if any good antique maps of that river exist? Its worth doing some research, a river map may be just what you want to add to your new collection.
Above: Original River Thames 'Map 30' by Henry W. Taunt c1885 Photographer to the Oxford Architectural and Historical Society from 'A New Map of The River Thames from Thames Head to London' on a scale of two inches to a mile. With original tipped in albumen prints that were added to the map before publication. A unique and exceptional smaller map of the river Thames. Lithograph print with early albumen prints and additional later hand colour.
Maybe your family has roots in a certain area from way back, a town, a county or state, a region, country or part of the world you simply have an interest in historically. All sorts of people collect all sorts of maps for all sorts of reasons, even maps of rivers. Every map collector is different and the reason they collect what they collect is often linked to their own story or journey along the river of life.
Happy Hunting!
You can see more maps of the River Thames by Henry Taunt HERE.
Maybe your family has roots in a certain area from way back, a town, a county or state, a region, country or part of the world you simply have an interest in historically. All sorts of people collect all sorts of maps for all sorts of reasons, even maps of rivers. Every map collector is different and the reason they collect what they collect is often linked to their own story or journey along the river of life.
Happy Hunting!
You can see more maps of the River Thames by Henry Taunt HERE.
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As promised another of the exceptional aquatint prints from Jenkins The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815. Below the print is a short excerpt from the original written account as published with the print.
In 1800, after the failure of a descent on Cádiz, Spain, Abercrombie was ordered to Egypt to expel or destroy the army left there by Bonaparte. Landing at Abū Qīr Bay on March 8, 1801, he advanced toward Alexandria. A French attack before daybreak on March 21 was beaten back with heavy loss, but Abercrombie was mortally wounded. He died on board the flagship Foudroyant and was buried at Malta.
In 1800, after the failure of a descent on Cádiz, Spain, Abercrombie was ordered to Egypt to expel or destroy the army left there by Bonaparte. Landing at Abū Qīr Bay on March 8, 1801, he advanced toward Alexandria. A French attack before daybreak on March 21 was beaten back with heavy loss, but Abercrombie was mortally wounded. He died on board the flagship Foudroyant and was buried at Malta.
Above: Death of Sir Ralph Abercrombie March 21st 1801 from Jenkins The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815.
Excerpt from the written account as published:
THE DEATH OF GENERAL ABERCROMBIE: It was on the plains of Alexandria, on the 21st of March, 1801, that the brave Abercrombie, the pride of Scotchmen, and the beloved of the army, received his death-blow.
When, on the first alarm, Sir Ralph hastened towards the cannonading, he must have rode straight among the enemy, already broke into the rear of our front: as it was not yet day, and unable to distinguish friend from foe, he undoubtedly had the misfortune to get embarrassed among the latter; but was extricated by the valour of his own troops. To the first soldier who came up to him, he said, “Soldier, if you know me, don't name me.” He was rescued, and at this moment a French dragoon, conceiving the prize which he had lost, rode up to the general amidst his own guard, and made a stroke at him, but not being quite near enough, just cut through the coat, waistcoat, and shirt, and, with the point of his sabre, only grazed the skin. At the same moment, the dragoon's horse wheeling about, brought him to the charge again, and he made a second attempt by a lunge, but the sabre passed between the general's side and his right arm, which he immediately closed. The dragoon being at this instant shot dead, the sabre remained in the general's possession. About this time it was perceived, that the general had been wounded in the thigh, and he was en treated to have it examined; but he considered it as a trifle, and would not disappear for a moment. The conflict was very long after this and very obstinate, and Sir Ralph Abercrombie had been two hours wounded, but would not withdraw from the field: knowing the value of his presence, or judging, with equal certainty, of the bad effects of his absence from the army at this critical conjuncture, he persevered, nor till the battle was won did he yield to the violence of his pain . . .
How to Identify the Prints:
The original prints from The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815 are aquatint engravings on a medium weight wove paper. Plates also exist that were printed on India Paper. They should clearly identify bottom left W. Heath (delt) who did the drawings and bottom right T. Sutherland (sculpt) who produced most of the aquatint engravings with some by D. Havell, M. Dubourg and J. Hill. Each plate has the date of publication and the name of the publisher beneath the engraved title. The approx engraved area of the plates are 8.5" x 7.75" (215mm x 195mm) including the engraved title text. Engraved plate mark area is approx 8.5 x 11.75 (215mm x 300mm). The large sheet size is approx 11.5" x 14" (290mm x 355mm).
You can see more prints from Jenkins The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815 and Jenkins The Naval Achievements of Great Britain, From the Year 1793 to 1817 HERE. If you're interested in a specific print and you cannot see it on my website please feel free to message me.
Excerpt from the written account as published:
THE DEATH OF GENERAL ABERCROMBIE: It was on the plains of Alexandria, on the 21st of March, 1801, that the brave Abercrombie, the pride of Scotchmen, and the beloved of the army, received his death-blow.
When, on the first alarm, Sir Ralph hastened towards the cannonading, he must have rode straight among the enemy, already broke into the rear of our front: as it was not yet day, and unable to distinguish friend from foe, he undoubtedly had the misfortune to get embarrassed among the latter; but was extricated by the valour of his own troops. To the first soldier who came up to him, he said, “Soldier, if you know me, don't name me.” He was rescued, and at this moment a French dragoon, conceiving the prize which he had lost, rode up to the general amidst his own guard, and made a stroke at him, but not being quite near enough, just cut through the coat, waistcoat, and shirt, and, with the point of his sabre, only grazed the skin. At the same moment, the dragoon's horse wheeling about, brought him to the charge again, and he made a second attempt by a lunge, but the sabre passed between the general's side and his right arm, which he immediately closed. The dragoon being at this instant shot dead, the sabre remained in the general's possession. About this time it was perceived, that the general had been wounded in the thigh, and he was en treated to have it examined; but he considered it as a trifle, and would not disappear for a moment. The conflict was very long after this and very obstinate, and Sir Ralph Abercrombie had been two hours wounded, but would not withdraw from the field: knowing the value of his presence, or judging, with equal certainty, of the bad effects of his absence from the army at this critical conjuncture, he persevered, nor till the battle was won did he yield to the violence of his pain . . .
How to Identify the Prints:
The original prints from The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815 are aquatint engravings on a medium weight wove paper. Plates also exist that were printed on India Paper. They should clearly identify bottom left W. Heath (delt) who did the drawings and bottom right T. Sutherland (sculpt) who produced most of the aquatint engravings with some by D. Havell, M. Dubourg and J. Hill. Each plate has the date of publication and the name of the publisher beneath the engraved title. The approx engraved area of the plates are 8.5" x 7.75" (215mm x 195mm) including the engraved title text. Engraved plate mark area is approx 8.5 x 11.75 (215mm x 300mm). The large sheet size is approx 11.5" x 14" (290mm x 355mm).
You can see more prints from Jenkins The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815 and Jenkins The Naval Achievements of Great Britain, From the Year 1793 to 1817 HERE. If you're interested in a specific print and you cannot see it on my website please feel free to message me.
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As I mentioned previously understanding why a map was made, the lack of technologies at the time, how a map fits in with the perceived geography, beliefs, social and cultural realities of a bygone era all has a bearing on how you view such a map today. All these things can influence what maps we are personally attracted to. In the last post we took a quick look at the ever popular hemisphere projections, always a winner. These maps effectively convert half of the spherical world to a circle. But hemispheres are just one kind of map.
Another favourite is Celestial Maps. Mapping of the sky and its celestial bodies within star charts goes all the way back to Ptolemy who is credited with creating the first star catalogue around the year 150. But the Golden Age of celestial cartography is roughly 1600 to 1800. All benefiting from the technological advances in astronomical observations and printing techniques. Many of the most notable star atlases and maps can cost thousands but there are many available at a reasonable price range for the novice collector with a celestial interest.
Another favourite is Celestial Maps. Mapping of the sky and its celestial bodies within star charts goes all the way back to Ptolemy who is credited with creating the first star catalogue around the year 150. But the Golden Age of celestial cartography is roughly 1600 to 1800. All benefiting from the technological advances in astronomical observations and printing techniques. Many of the most notable star atlases and maps can cost thousands but there are many available at a reasonable price range for the novice collector with a celestial interest.
Above Left: Planisphere Des Constellations Meridionalles by Alain Manesson Mallet c1683 Above Right: Planisphere Des Constellations Septenironalles by Alain Manesson Mallet c1683.
There are many examples of celestial maps and you may need to hunt a bit harder as there can be strong competition for these maps. If celestial maps tickle your fancy then do some research there are many variations and they come up in various online auctions so its worth searching the specialist auction houses. There is going to be something out there for you, within your price range, you just need to search .
Happy Hunting!
You can see more celestial maps by Alain Mallet HERE.
There are many examples of celestial maps and you may need to hunt a bit harder as there can be strong competition for these maps. If celestial maps tickle your fancy then do some research there are many variations and they come up in various online auctions so its worth searching the specialist auction houses. There is going to be something out there for you, within your price range, you just need to search .
Happy Hunting!
You can see more celestial maps by Alain Mallet HERE.
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Here's the View of Gibraltar an original aquatint print from James Jenkins The Naval Achievements of Great Britain, From the Year 1793 to 1817. These prints are exceptional in themselves with excellent hand colour. To give you even more of an insight into the event recorded I've shared a brief excerpt from the original written account published below the print.
The naval campaigns, operations and battles of the Napoleonic Wars were events during the period between 1802 and 1814 that were undertaken by European powers in support of their land-based strategies.
The naval campaigns, operations and battles of the Napoleonic Wars were events during the period between 1802 and 1814 that were undertaken by European powers in support of their land-based strategies.
Above: View of Gibralter from The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815 by J. Jenkins.
Excerpt from the written account as published:
A CONCISE ACCOUNT OF GIBRALTAR: GIBRALTAR is a part of Andalusia, the most southern province of Spain, to which it is connected by a low isthmus of sand. The rock is seven miles in circumference, forming a promontory three miles in length, and presenting the most singular natural appearance. It was distinguished in the earliest annals of European nations. It does not, however, appear that any of the ancients inhabited it: their knowledge and practice of the military art were not indeed suited to improve the natural advantages of such a place; these seem to have been disregarded till the beginning of the eighth century, when the Saracens invaded Spain, and subjugated the country. It remained in their hands till the commencement of the fourteenth century, when it was taken by Ferdinand, King of Castile, in whose possession it continued till Abomalique, son of the Emperor of Fez, arrived to the succour of the Moorish King of Grenada, who laid siege to the fortress, and in five months starved it into a surrender. The Emperor of Morocco next made himself master of it; but the King of Grenada having appeared before it the next year, with a powerful fleet and army, and having reduced the garrison to the greatest extremity for want of provisions, obliged them to submit.
It remained in the quiet possession of the Spaniards till 1704, when it was unexpectedly wrested from them (and we trust for ever) by an English squadron under the command of that gallant and enterprising officer, Sir G. Rooke, who had been sent into the Mediterranean with a strong fleet to assist the Archduke . . .
How to Identify the Prints:
The original prints from "The Naval Achievements of Great Britain. From the Year 1793 to 1817" are aquatint engravings on a medium weight wove paper. All the plates identify at bottom left Painted by T. Whitcombe and bottom right T. Sutherland (sculpt) who produced the aquatint engravings. Some plates were engraved by Jeakes and Bailey after Whitcombe. Each plate is accompanied by a text page describing the action, often with lists of ships captured or sunk, and excerpts from contemporary bulletins, dispatches, letters, and speeches. The first edition appeared in 1817. Early issues have watermarks of Whatman with the undated watermark IIS&S on some plates. The vignette title page was uncoloured in the first issue. The approx engraved image area of the plates are 7" x 10.25" (175mm x 260mm). Engraved plate mark area is approx 8.5 x 11.75 (215mm x 300mm). The folio sheet size is approx 11.5" x 14" (290mm x 355mm).
You can see more prints from Jenkins The Naval Achievements of Great Britain, From the Year 1793 to 1817 HERE If you're interested in a specific print and you cannot see it on my website please feel free to message me .
Excerpt from the written account as published:
A CONCISE ACCOUNT OF GIBRALTAR: GIBRALTAR is a part of Andalusia, the most southern province of Spain, to which it is connected by a low isthmus of sand. The rock is seven miles in circumference, forming a promontory three miles in length, and presenting the most singular natural appearance. It was distinguished in the earliest annals of European nations. It does not, however, appear that any of the ancients inhabited it: their knowledge and practice of the military art were not indeed suited to improve the natural advantages of such a place; these seem to have been disregarded till the beginning of the eighth century, when the Saracens invaded Spain, and subjugated the country. It remained in their hands till the commencement of the fourteenth century, when it was taken by Ferdinand, King of Castile, in whose possession it continued till Abomalique, son of the Emperor of Fez, arrived to the succour of the Moorish King of Grenada, who laid siege to the fortress, and in five months starved it into a surrender. The Emperor of Morocco next made himself master of it; but the King of Grenada having appeared before it the next year, with a powerful fleet and army, and having reduced the garrison to the greatest extremity for want of provisions, obliged them to submit.
It remained in the quiet possession of the Spaniards till 1704, when it was unexpectedly wrested from them (and we trust for ever) by an English squadron under the command of that gallant and enterprising officer, Sir G. Rooke, who had been sent into the Mediterranean with a strong fleet to assist the Archduke . . .
How to Identify the Prints:
The original prints from "The Naval Achievements of Great Britain. From the Year 1793 to 1817" are aquatint engravings on a medium weight wove paper. All the plates identify at bottom left Painted by T. Whitcombe and bottom right T. Sutherland (sculpt) who produced the aquatint engravings. Some plates were engraved by Jeakes and Bailey after Whitcombe. Each plate is accompanied by a text page describing the action, often with lists of ships captured or sunk, and excerpts from contemporary bulletins, dispatches, letters, and speeches. The first edition appeared in 1817. Early issues have watermarks of Whatman with the undated watermark IIS&S on some plates. The vignette title page was uncoloured in the first issue. The approx engraved image area of the plates are 7" x 10.25" (175mm x 260mm). Engraved plate mark area is approx 8.5 x 11.75 (215mm x 300mm). The folio sheet size is approx 11.5" x 14" (290mm x 355mm).
You can see more prints from Jenkins The Naval Achievements of Great Britain, From the Year 1793 to 1817 HERE If you're interested in a specific print and you cannot see it on my website please feel free to message me .
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One size fits all! That may be true with many things in this life but you'll quickly realise that its not the case with antique maps. In fact its more a case of every size, shape, form, subject, appearance and kind of antique map is out there if you have a look around. This obviously makes the issue of what to collect somewhat daunting on one level, but on another level you could say you're spoilt for choice.
Understanding why a map was made, the available technology of the time and the maps accuracy is important. How it fits in with the perceived geography, beliefs, social and cultural realities of a bygone era can also have a bearing on how we view such a map today. All these things can influence what maps we are personally attracted to. The where, why and how has its place, but at its core map collecting is a matter of the heart. So to keep this as simple as possible if you're new to map collecting, exactly what kinds of maps are on offer? Well, a list would do but I doubt it would mean much, so I'll spread it over more than one post.
Understanding why a map was made, the available technology of the time and the maps accuracy is important. How it fits in with the perceived geography, beliefs, social and cultural realities of a bygone era can also have a bearing on how we view such a map today. All these things can influence what maps we are personally attracted to. The where, why and how has its place, but at its core map collecting is a matter of the heart. So to keep this as simple as possible if you're new to map collecting, exactly what kinds of maps are on offer? Well, a list would do but I doubt it would mean much, so I'll spread it over more than one post.
Above: (Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Tabula Auctore F. De Wit.) Doncker, Hendrik from de Zee-Atlas ofte Water-Waereld, vertoonende alle de Zee-Kusten van het bekende deel des Aerd-Bodems. Amsterdam: Henrick Doncker, 1666.
First and foremost Hemisphere Projections are very popular, attractive and collectable. These maps effectively convert half of the spherical world to a circle. obviously these don't come in all shapes, but they do come in all sizes, something for everyone almost. World Maps using a hemispheric projection are know as double-hemispheres. You can also get them based on the Western-Eastern Hemisphere or Northern-Southern (polar) Hemisphere with extensive variations.
There are many affordable examples of single and double hemisphere maps to be found in the market obviously the example above is at the top end. If hemispheres are for you, then do some research there are many variations. There is going to be something out there for you, you just need to look . . .
Happy Hunting!
Image Credit: Sotheby's Wardington Library 2005
First and foremost Hemisphere Projections are very popular, attractive and collectable. These maps effectively convert half of the spherical world to a circle. obviously these don't come in all shapes, but they do come in all sizes, something for everyone almost. World Maps using a hemispheric projection are know as double-hemispheres. You can also get them based on the Western-Eastern Hemisphere or Northern-Southern (polar) Hemisphere with extensive variations.
There are many affordable examples of single and double hemisphere maps to be found in the market obviously the example above is at the top end. If hemispheres are for you, then do some research there are many variations. There is going to be something out there for you, you just need to look . . .
Happy Hunting!
Image Credit: Sotheby's Wardington Library 2005
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As promised another of the exceptional aquatint prints from Jenkins The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815. Below the print is a short excerpt from the original written account as published with the print.
The landing of the British expeditionary force under Sir Ralph Abercrombie was intended to defeat or drive out an estimated 21,000 remaining troops of Napoleon's ill-fated invasion of Egypt. The fleet commanded by Baron Keith included seven ships of the line, five frigates and a dozen armed corvettes. With the troop transports, it was delayed in the bay for several days by strong gales and heavy seas before disembarkation could proceed.
The landing of the British expeditionary force under Sir Ralph Abercrombie was intended to defeat or drive out an estimated 21,000 remaining troops of Napoleon's ill-fated invasion of Egypt. The fleet commanded by Baron Keith included seven ships of the line, five frigates and a dozen armed corvettes. With the troop transports, it was delayed in the bay for several days by strong gales and heavy seas before disembarkation could proceed.
Above: Landing of the British Troops in Egypt, March 8th, 1801 from Jenkins The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815.
Excerpt from the written account as published:
THE LANDING OF THE BRITISH TROOPS IN EGYPT. AFTER the attempt on Cadiz, it became absolutely necessary to employ more advantageously an army which might justly be regarded as the corps d'élite of England. On the 25th of October, 1800, orders from England arrived, to undertake an expedition against Egypt. Part of the fleet sailed on the 3d of November for Minorca; and the remainder, with Sir Ralph Abercrombie, proceeded direct for Malta, where it arrived on the 30th; and Lord Keith, with the division from Minorca, joined on the 14th of December.
The British army amounted to 15,330 men, including 999 sick, 500 Maltese, and all kinds and descriptions of people attached to an army: its effective force in the field could not therefore be, at the highest computation, above 12,000; and, indeed, that number, within 200, was the return given in to the Commander in Chief. It must be allowed, even at the calculation of the supposed strength of the enemy, that to attack with such a force the possessors of a country strengthened by the advantages of strong fortified posts, a numerous cavalry, powerful artillery, and a perfect acquaintance with those few points where a debarcation was practicable, was an enterprize of the most audacious character.
On the 1st of March a signal for landing was made by the leading frigate. This landing-place proved to be the coast near Arabs' Tower; and on the next morning the whole fleet anchored in Aboukir Bay, the men of war riding exactly where the Battle of the Nile was fought, for the Fou droyant chafed her cable against the wreck of l'Orient, whose anchor was afterwards fished up.
It was here that the melancholy death of Major Makarras was announced, and the unfortunate capture of Major Fletcher, of the engineers. These circumstances took place while they were on a reconnoitring party, as they were proceeding to Aboukir Bay, in order to discover the proper point of landing. The wind continuing moderate, and the swell of the sea subsiding, on the morning of the 8th, at two o'clock, the first division of the army, consisting of the reserve under the orders of Major . . .
How to Identify the Prints:
The original prints from The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815 are aquatint engravings on a medium weight wove paper. Plates also exist that were printed on India Paper. They should clearly identify bottom left W. Heath (delt) who did the drawings and bottom right T. Sutherland (sculpt) who produced most of the aquatint engravings with some by D. Havell, M. Dubourg and J. Hill. Each plate has the date of publication and the name of the publisher beneath the engraved title. The approx engraved area of the plates are 8.5" x 7.75" (215mm x 195mm) including the engraved title text. Engraved plate mark area is approx 8.5 x 11.75 (215mm x 300mm). The large sheet size is approx 11.5" x 14" (290mm x 355mm).
You can see more prints from Jenkins The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815 and Jenkins The Naval Achievements of Great Britain, From the Year 1793 to 1817 HERE. If you're interested in a specific print and you cannot see it on my website please feel free to message me.
Excerpt from the written account as published:
THE LANDING OF THE BRITISH TROOPS IN EGYPT. AFTER the attempt on Cadiz, it became absolutely necessary to employ more advantageously an army which might justly be regarded as the corps d'élite of England. On the 25th of October, 1800, orders from England arrived, to undertake an expedition against Egypt. Part of the fleet sailed on the 3d of November for Minorca; and the remainder, with Sir Ralph Abercrombie, proceeded direct for Malta, where it arrived on the 30th; and Lord Keith, with the division from Minorca, joined on the 14th of December.
The British army amounted to 15,330 men, including 999 sick, 500 Maltese, and all kinds and descriptions of people attached to an army: its effective force in the field could not therefore be, at the highest computation, above 12,000; and, indeed, that number, within 200, was the return given in to the Commander in Chief. It must be allowed, even at the calculation of the supposed strength of the enemy, that to attack with such a force the possessors of a country strengthened by the advantages of strong fortified posts, a numerous cavalry, powerful artillery, and a perfect acquaintance with those few points where a debarcation was practicable, was an enterprize of the most audacious character.
On the 1st of March a signal for landing was made by the leading frigate. This landing-place proved to be the coast near Arabs' Tower; and on the next morning the whole fleet anchored in Aboukir Bay, the men of war riding exactly where the Battle of the Nile was fought, for the Fou droyant chafed her cable against the wreck of l'Orient, whose anchor was afterwards fished up.
It was here that the melancholy death of Major Makarras was announced, and the unfortunate capture of Major Fletcher, of the engineers. These circumstances took place while they were on a reconnoitring party, as they were proceeding to Aboukir Bay, in order to discover the proper point of landing. The wind continuing moderate, and the swell of the sea subsiding, on the morning of the 8th, at two o'clock, the first division of the army, consisting of the reserve under the orders of Major . . .
How to Identify the Prints:
The original prints from The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815 are aquatint engravings on a medium weight wove paper. Plates also exist that were printed on India Paper. They should clearly identify bottom left W. Heath (delt) who did the drawings and bottom right T. Sutherland (sculpt) who produced most of the aquatint engravings with some by D. Havell, M. Dubourg and J. Hill. Each plate has the date of publication and the name of the publisher beneath the engraved title. The approx engraved area of the plates are 8.5" x 7.75" (215mm x 195mm) including the engraved title text. Engraved plate mark area is approx 8.5 x 11.75 (215mm x 300mm). The large sheet size is approx 11.5" x 14" (290mm x 355mm).
You can see more prints from Jenkins The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815 and Jenkins The Naval Achievements of Great Britain, From the Year 1793 to 1817 HERE. If you're interested in a specific print and you cannot see it on my website please feel free to message me.
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Interest in armed conflict with stories of campaigns and battles and the continuing assessment of leaders, tactics and their strategy remains ever popular with military history enthusiasts, historical reenactment groups and antique print collectors.
In the coming weeks I'm going to share with you some of the exceptional aquatint prints from Jenkins The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815 and Jenkins The Naval Achievements of Great Britain, From the Year 1793 to 1817. With each print I'll share a brief extract from the original written account published.
This covers the Napoleonic Wars (May 1803 - November 1815). This series of major conflicts pitted the French Empire and its allies, led by Napoleon I, against a fluctuating array of European powers formed into various coalitions. It produced a brief period of French domination over most of continental Europe. Along with the French Revolutionary wars, the Napoleonic Wars constitute a 23-year period of recurrent conflict that concluded only with the Battle of Waterloo and Napoleon’s second abdication on June 22, 1815.
The naval campaigns, operations and battles of the Napoleonic Wars were events during the period between 1802 and 1814 that were undertaken by European powers in support of their land-based strategies.
In the coming weeks I'm going to share with you some of the exceptional aquatint prints from Jenkins The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815 and Jenkins The Naval Achievements of Great Britain, From the Year 1793 to 1817. With each print I'll share a brief extract from the original written account published.
This covers the Napoleonic Wars (May 1803 - November 1815). This series of major conflicts pitted the French Empire and its allies, led by Napoleon I, against a fluctuating array of European powers formed into various coalitions. It produced a brief period of French domination over most of continental Europe. Along with the French Revolutionary wars, the Napoleonic Wars constitute a 23-year period of recurrent conflict that concluded only with the Battle of Waterloo and Napoleon’s second abdication on June 22, 1815.
The naval campaigns, operations and battles of the Napoleonic Wars were events during the period between 1802 and 1814 that were undertaken by European powers in support of their land-based strategies.
Above: The Vignette Title from The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815 by J. Jenkins.
Excerpt from the written account as published:
REPRESENTS a Rendezvous of those Powers who were engaged in the grand struggle for the independence of nations. A British Soldier, in pointing to the MILITARY ACHIEVEMENTS OF GREAT BRITAIN AND HER ALLIES, alludes to the active part this country has taken in the deliverance of Europe.
At the feet of the British Soldier preposes a French Warrior, tired of the repeated and decisive defeats he has at length met with under an illegitimate master. The broken Flag-Staff and the Imperial Eagle inform us, that the power of the once invincible Buonaparte is no more.
On the left is a Don Cossac, who is coolly stopping his horse to gaze on his vanquished enemy: he is attended by an Austrian and a Swede, who are also contemplating those records, which will, in common with the other Powers of Europe, hand down their deeds to posterity. A Prussian, on the right, seems willing to accede to the share of glory which the British Soldier demands; conscious, that he also has saved his country from the despotism of a tyrannical usurper.
How to Identify the Prints:
The original prints from The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815 are aquatint engravings on a medium weight wove paper. Plates also exist that were printed on India Paper. They should clearly identify bottom left W. Heath (delt) who did the drawings and bottom right T. Sutherland (sculpt) who produced most of the aquatint engravings with some by D. Havell, M. Dubourg and J. Hill. Each plate has the date of publication and the name of the publisher beneath the engraved title. The approx engraved area of the plates are 8.5" x 7.75" (215mm x 195mm) including the engraved title text. Engraved plate mark area is approx 8.5 x 11.75 (215mm x 300mm). The large sheet size is approx 11.5" x 14" (290mm x 355mm).
You can see more prints from Jenkins The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815 and Jenkins The Naval Achievements of Great Britain, From the Year 1793 to 1817 HERE If you're interested in a specific print and you cannot see it on my website please feel free to message me .
Excerpt from the written account as published:
REPRESENTS a Rendezvous of those Powers who were engaged in the grand struggle for the independence of nations. A British Soldier, in pointing to the MILITARY ACHIEVEMENTS OF GREAT BRITAIN AND HER ALLIES, alludes to the active part this country has taken in the deliverance of Europe.
At the feet of the British Soldier preposes a French Warrior, tired of the repeated and decisive defeats he has at length met with under an illegitimate master. The broken Flag-Staff and the Imperial Eagle inform us, that the power of the once invincible Buonaparte is no more.
On the left is a Don Cossac, who is coolly stopping his horse to gaze on his vanquished enemy: he is attended by an Austrian and a Swede, who are also contemplating those records, which will, in common with the other Powers of Europe, hand down their deeds to posterity. A Prussian, on the right, seems willing to accede to the share of glory which the British Soldier demands; conscious, that he also has saved his country from the despotism of a tyrannical usurper.
How to Identify the Prints:
The original prints from The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815 are aquatint engravings on a medium weight wove paper. Plates also exist that were printed on India Paper. They should clearly identify bottom left W. Heath (delt) who did the drawings and bottom right T. Sutherland (sculpt) who produced most of the aquatint engravings with some by D. Havell, M. Dubourg and J. Hill. Each plate has the date of publication and the name of the publisher beneath the engraved title. The approx engraved area of the plates are 8.5" x 7.75" (215mm x 195mm) including the engraved title text. Engraved plate mark area is approx 8.5 x 11.75 (215mm x 300mm). The large sheet size is approx 11.5" x 14" (290mm x 355mm).
You can see more prints from Jenkins The Martial achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies from 1799 to 1815 and Jenkins The Naval Achievements of Great Britain, From the Year 1793 to 1817 HERE If you're interested in a specific print and you cannot see it on my website please feel free to message me .
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I regularly get map enthusiasts contacting me online about maps with said sea monsters or curious looking humans. The sea monsters especially, "have you still got that map with the sea monsters?" Usually the answer is no as these are so popular they get snapped up pretty quickly. The best I can often do is direct these enquiries to other reliable antique map dealers who may have some of these delightful maps and prints in stock.
If its got sea monsters then it's most likely going to be a sixteenth or seventeenth century map. This was a time when many people believed that strange and dangerous monsters inhabited the oceans. Many of these maps carried the medieval fascination with monsters, some derived from the ancient Greek historian Herodotus.
If its got sea monsters then it's most likely going to be a sixteenth or seventeenth century map. This was a time when many people believed that strange and dangerous monsters inhabited the oceans. Many of these maps carried the medieval fascination with monsters, some derived from the ancient Greek historian Herodotus.
Above: "Des Poissons" by Alain Manesson Mallet c1684 from Volume I of 'Description de L'Univers' by Mallet. This work contains a wide variety of information, including star maps, maps of the ancient and modern world.
Herodotus spent his life traveling from one Persian territory to another. He crossed the Mediterranean to Egypt and traveled through Palestine to Syria and Babylon. He headed to Macedonia and visited all the islands of the Greek Archipelago: Rhodes, Cyprus, Delos, Paros, Thasos, Samothrace, Crete, Samos, Cythera and Aegina. He sailed through the Hellespont to the Black Sea and kept going until he hit the Danube River. While he traveled, Herodotus collected what he called “autopsies,” or “personal inquiries”: He listened to myths and legends, recorded oral histories and made notes of the places and things that he saw.
So in the nicest way you can blame the sea monsters on Herodotus. These spectacular sea monsters clearly have links to real marine animals such as whales and walruses. These along with an array of fantastical creatures continue to captivate many map collectors. How about you? Lastly incase you're wondering about this delightful little sea monster print by Mallet, it's already been sold!
Happy Hunting!
Herodotus spent his life traveling from one Persian territory to another. He crossed the Mediterranean to Egypt and traveled through Palestine to Syria and Babylon. He headed to Macedonia and visited all the islands of the Greek Archipelago: Rhodes, Cyprus, Delos, Paros, Thasos, Samothrace, Crete, Samos, Cythera and Aegina. He sailed through the Hellespont to the Black Sea and kept going until he hit the Danube River. While he traveled, Herodotus collected what he called “autopsies,” or “personal inquiries”: He listened to myths and legends, recorded oral histories and made notes of the places and things that he saw.
So in the nicest way you can blame the sea monsters on Herodotus. These spectacular sea monsters clearly have links to real marine animals such as whales and walruses. These along with an array of fantastical creatures continue to captivate many map collectors. How about you? Lastly incase you're wondering about this delightful little sea monster print by Mallet, it's already been sold!
Happy Hunting!
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When it comes to collecting rare maps its often the embellishment on old maps that catches the eye and draws us in. My first maps as a collector were from the Blaeu family. I'm sure it was my fascination with the ornamentation that initially drew me in and before long I was hooked. I love to read and research so it quickly became evident to me that what was going on here was not just about art or decoration but visual messaging.
Besides the map and geographical area being of interest these embellishments add to the story. Their used to enhance and convey messages on a number of levels. Mythology, allegory, emblems, power, the importance of local trade, naval battles, indigenous peoples, flora and fauna, sea monsters, sailing ships, customs, explorers, figures of importance, continents, gods and godesses, the heavens and planets to name just a few devices, all used to help convey the message.
Besides the map and geographical area being of interest these embellishments add to the story. Their used to enhance and convey messages on a number of levels. Mythology, allegory, emblems, power, the importance of local trade, naval battles, indigenous peoples, flora and fauna, sea monsters, sailing ships, customs, explorers, figures of importance, continents, gods and godesses, the heavens and planets to name just a few devices, all used to help convey the message.
Above: Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Tabula... Justus Danckerts (1635-1701) Atlas. Amsterdam: J. Dackerts. c. 1688. The Danckerts family were prominent print and map sellers active in Amsterdam for nearly a century.
This map is embellished by four large lively allegorical scenes, representing the four elements. Top left fire is shown by war and destruction, top right air by the heavens, bottom left earth by harvesting and husbandry and bottom right water by ships and a spouting whale. There are groups of figures between the hemispheres and on either side of the smaller polar maps.
HOW TO IDENTIFY:
The embellishments say it all! Delightful maps like the one above by Danckerts and those of the Blaeu family I mentioned earlier are from whats known as the Golden Age of cartography c1550 - c1675. These are rich in cartographic ornamentation and remain popular with collectors. So if you're on the fence about what to collect maybe the embellishments on old maps will catch your eye making maps from the Golden Age the ones for you!
Happy Hunting!
This map is embellished by four large lively allegorical scenes, representing the four elements. Top left fire is shown by war and destruction, top right air by the heavens, bottom left earth by harvesting and husbandry and bottom right water by ships and a spouting whale. There are groups of figures between the hemispheres and on either side of the smaller polar maps.
HOW TO IDENTIFY:
The embellishments say it all! Delightful maps like the one above by Danckerts and those of the Blaeu family I mentioned earlier are from whats known as the Golden Age of cartography c1550 - c1675. These are rich in cartographic ornamentation and remain popular with collectors. So if you're on the fence about what to collect maybe the embellishments on old maps will catch your eye making maps from the Golden Age the ones for you!
Happy Hunting!
Image Credit: Sotheby's Wardington Library 2005.
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When it comes to an illustrated record of British naval action there is only one and it's the desire of all naval history enthusiasts and antique print collectors. This is James Jenkins "The Naval Achievements of Great Britain. From the Year 1793 to 1817." These aquatint prints are prized by collectors. A key consideration for collectors is the quality of the colouring and these really are exceptional. If British naval history is your passion then these are the prints to collect.
The importance of this work was aptly stated by Roger Quarm the curator of pictures at the National Maritime Museum in the introduction to the 1998 facimile edition "As a record of naval events spanning a period of over twenty years it has no precedent. At no time prior to 1817 had a publisher attempted such a complete volume of documentary naval prints. It is the quality of accuracy which makes Jenkins so valuable"
The importance of this work was aptly stated by Roger Quarm the curator of pictures at the National Maritime Museum in the introduction to the 1998 facimile edition "As a record of naval events spanning a period of over twenty years it has no precedent. At no time prior to 1817 had a publisher attempted such a complete volume of documentary naval prints. It is the quality of accuracy which makes Jenkins so valuable"
Above: Capture of the Argus, Aug.t. 14.th. 1813. Painted by T. Whitcombe. Engraved by T. Sutherland. Publish'd Feb.y. 1. 1817 at 48 Strand for J. Jenkin's Naval Achievements. A naval battle scene showing the capture of the American brig Argus under the command of Lieutenant W. H. Allen by the British brig Pelican under the command of Commander J. F. Maples off St. David's lighthouse.
HOW TO IDENTIFY:
The original prints from "The Naval Achievements of Great Britain. From the Year 1793 to 1817" are aquatint engravings on a medium weight wove paper. All the plates identify at bottom left Painted by T. Whitcombe and bottom right T. Sutherland (sculpt) who produced the aquatint engravings. Some plates were engraved by Jeakes and Bailey after Whitcombe. Each plate is accompanied by a text page describing the action, often with lists of ships captured or sunk, and excerpts from contemporary bulletins, dispatches, letters, and speeches. The first edition appeared in 1817. Early issues have watermarks of Whatman with the undated watermark IIS&S on some plates. The vignette title page was uncoloured in the first issue. The approx engraved image area of the plates are 7" x 10.25" (175mm x 260mm). Engraved plate mark area is approx 8.5 x 11.75 (215mm x 300mm). The folio sheet size is approx 11.5" x 14" (290mm x 355mm).
Happy hunting!
You can see more aquatint prints from Jenkins Naval Achievements HERE
HOW TO IDENTIFY:
The original prints from "The Naval Achievements of Great Britain. From the Year 1793 to 1817" are aquatint engravings on a medium weight wove paper. All the plates identify at bottom left Painted by T. Whitcombe and bottom right T. Sutherland (sculpt) who produced the aquatint engravings. Some plates were engraved by Jeakes and Bailey after Whitcombe. Each plate is accompanied by a text page describing the action, often with lists of ships captured or sunk, and excerpts from contemporary bulletins, dispatches, letters, and speeches. The first edition appeared in 1817. Early issues have watermarks of Whatman with the undated watermark IIS&S on some plates. The vignette title page was uncoloured in the first issue. The approx engraved image area of the plates are 7" x 10.25" (175mm x 260mm). Engraved plate mark area is approx 8.5 x 11.75 (215mm x 300mm). The folio sheet size is approx 11.5" x 14" (290mm x 355mm).
Happy hunting!
You can see more aquatint prints from Jenkins Naval Achievements HERE
