My photos (shot through glass and in absence of a good spot for shooting large work) do no justice to this fantastic large hand-drawn map--quite a thing I think; view details to get at least a bit of a sense, though color is brighter and bolder in person. Found in Maine, and I believe American, it was signed by a Lucy Davis in 1817. (I have found records of a number of different Lucy Davis', and concentrations of the Davis family in Virginia and North Carolina, but I haven't identified her definitively.) Whatever the case, she put a great deal of time and care and effort into making this map, which I love for a whole host of reasons including for the fact that it very much reveals her process of problem solving in relation to challenges that emerged along the way, including how to fit long words in dense areas!
As a historical document, to me it is fascinating, showing the African continent at the height of the slave trade, prior to the majority of its colonization, revealing to me at least how little I actually know, and serving as impetus to do some learning. In doing some initial research, I haven't determined the exact map upon which it was based, though it appears to have been a pretty contemporary one--though Lucy's version takes some license (in the placement of the label for Nigretia, for example, which is a bit further toward the east coast here than most maps of the period would have shown.) I've included a couple of examples of maps of Africa from around this time for reference.
The map itself as visible measures 21 3/4" x 17 1/8"; framed, as found: 23 3/4" x 19 1/4". Ink and watercolor in good condition, bright, strong ink and color, with the paper showing some light crinkling, really only visible at a certain angle. I have not taken it out of the frame but will be happy to do upon request. There is a layer of foam core visible from the back holding it tightly in the frame. The wooden frame, with a black lacquered finish and gold edging, is in good condition. Wired on the back for hanging.
You might also like
