Captain Cook's Exploration of Tahiti 18th C. Hand-Colored Map by Bellin

Description

This beautiful 18th century hand-colored copper plate engraved map is entitled "Carte de l'Isle de Taiti, par le Lieutenant J. … more This beautiful 18th century hand-colored copper plate engraved map is entitled "Carte de l'Isle de Taiti, par le Lieutenant J. Cook" was created by Jacques Nicolas Bellin and published in 1780 in the French account of Captain James Cook's 1st voyage of exploration. It is the first detailed and accurate chart of Tahiti and it's neighboring island of Eimeo (now known as Moorea), depicting discoveries made by James Cook (still a Lieutenant in the British Royal Navy at the time of this voyage to Tahiti) during his first of three famous voyages of exploration which radically altered the knowledge of the world’s geography. Tahiti, the largest island of French Polynesia, is located in the archipelago of the Society Islands in the southern Pacific Ocean. The island consists of two roughly round portions with a central extinct volcano creating a mountain range and a series of radiating rivers. The map also includes the neighboring island of Eimeo, currently known as Moorea.
This beautifully hand-colored map is printed on chain-linked, laid paper with wide margins and two watermarks. The sheet measures 17.5" wide and 11.38" high. It has a central vertical fold, as issued. There is faint discoloration in the left upper corner, but it is otherwise in excellent condition. less