1744 Bowen Antique Map of Australia, Terra Australis

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This beautifully engraved hand coloured original antique and very important original map of Australia as a continent - or part thereof - engraved by an Englishman - the eminent engraver Emmanuel Bowen - was published in the 1744 edition of John Harris' Complete Collection of Voyages. This map has undergone some small restorations - mainly to the margins - but this has by no means take away any of the magnificence of this map. Please see below for a more detailed description.

At the time of publication this was considered to be the most accurate and detailed map of its kind regarding the great southern land. It was not until some 30 years later that Cook redefined the globe by surveying the east coast of Australia and putting to bed the two thousand year idea of the great Southern Continent - Terra Incognita.

Bowen, one of Britain's leading print-sellers and engravers, used data from Melchissedec Thevenot's earlier Dutch map - Terre Australie - showing discoveries along the western and southern coastlines of Australia as well as later discoveries by Abel Tasman's to help construct the map.
John Campbell who helped Bowen to prepare the map also included the Tropic of Capricorn as well as two legends with text about the continent within the unexplored eastern part of the country.
The top text emphasises that no assumptions have been made in the making of the map, so white space abounds between New Guinea and Carpentaria, and between the mainland, Tasmania and New Zealand.
The lower text states that this is indeed the great Southern Land (Terra incognita) so long sort by explorers by stating; 'It is impossible to conceive a Country that promises fairer from its situation, than this of Terra Australia; no longer incognita, as this map demonstrates.
This is truly one of the finest early maps of Australia printed and should be considered by every serious collector of early Australian maps. (Ref: Clancy; Tooley; M&B)

Please note all items auctioned are genuine, we do not sell reproductions. A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) can be issued on request.

General Description:
Paper thickness and quality: - Heavy and stable
Paper color: - white
Age of map color: - Early 
Colors used: - Yellow, green, red, brown 
General color appearance: - Authentic 
Paper size: - 19 1/4in x 15 1/4in (490mm x 390mm)
Plate size: - 19 1/4in x 15 1/4in (490mm x 390mm)
Margins: - min. 1/8in (2mm)

Imperfections:
Margins: - Professional restoration to left & right margin and printed border,
Plate area: - Folds as issued, professional restoration along left vertical fold with light soiling. Brown spot top left corner
Verso: - Restoration as noted

Overall Quality (in Bold):
Perfect/Fine/Very Good/Good/Fair/Poor

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Classical Images adheres to the Codes of Ethics outlined by the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America (ABAA) .

We are enthusiastic collectors ourselves of Antiquarian treasures and are happy to share our knowledge, discuss issues and provide information and assistance, both in general and about items we offer for sale.

All items sold by Classical Images are genuine and a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) will be happily supplied on request.

Thank you
Simon & Andrea Mayers
Classical Images
61-3-9497 2845 Tel

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