Amérique Septentrionale

Decorative French atlas map of North and Central America. The map shows the formation of the United States up until the mid-19th Century, Canada, the West Indies, Mexico and the Central American countries which have all been amalgamated and labelled Guatemalan territory.



This map was published halfway through the Mexican-American War (1846-48) following the 1845 annexation of Texas - so for the purposes of this map is depicted as the Republic of Texas, which existed between 1836-1846 with a pan-handle extending to the Rocky Mountains. Texas was admitted to the Union in 1847. A great deal of the western States from Colorado and New Mexico west to California has also yet to be admitted to the Union and fall within Mexican jurisdiction.




This map originates from one of the last great decorative atlases of the 19th Century. The map itself is full of information. It illustrates the topography of the countries, elegantly detailing the main mountain ranges and important river systems. Across the map, are the names of a selection of major cities, forts (trading locations) and the settlements of Native Americans. Using coloured outlines to denote the boundary lines of the United States, Mexico, Canada and then Russian America, which became American in 1867 (now the state of Alaska). The map extends to show part of northern South American countries of Columbia and Venezuela.



Centred and below the map, an allegorical female figure representing America is accompanied by a dog and leans on a display of fruit, vegetables and a sack of cotton. To her left, a table listing the population sizes of the North American territories. To her right, a panel of text explaining the design surrounding the map.



Above and right, a visual representation for Canada; a scene of the 'insurmountable barrier' of the polar north where 'terrible storms reign' and the huge icy mountains which have caused great difficulty and loss for the navigators wishing to 'tackle' the Canadian Arctic - silhouettes of explorers can be seen in the upper right corner with pick-axes and next to a boat.



On the left edge, a visual representation for the United States; a waterfall leads the eye to bridge with a silhouette of a steam train. Below this a trading scene between a European settler, his slave and a Native American. In the distance behind them, the ancient Aztec temple of Moctezuma II - this representing Mexico. The map is peppered with wild animals native to the northern American continent, including snakes, bears and crocodiles.



This map was engraved by Raymond Bonheur (1796-1849) for the "Universal Illustrated Atlas". Coloured. [AMER1817]