This pair of maps of the Eastern and Western Hemisphere was part of John Tallis's "Modern Illustrated Atlas". It was one of the most successful publications of its type published in the 19th century, first published in 1851 to coincide with the Great Exhibition. Later re-issues were made by the London and Printing and Publishing Company who left Tallis's imprint on the map, thus ensuring that his name was always associated with these distinctive pieces long after he ceased to have anything to do with their production.



Geographically, the maps are orthodox for their period. Tallis was not a geographical innovator and the actual maps resembled the work of several other contemporary publishers. However, their main difference and their main commercial appeal was the collection of beautifully engraved vignettes present on each map; these were miniature engravings usually illustrating a major or famous landmark or city. On a few rare occasions a portrait would be added. The engraver for the maps was John Rapkin while Nathaniel Whittock and John Rogers contributed to the vignettes.

These two maps are the two most heavily illustrated pieces in the Atlas, suggesting they were to be matched as a pair. The borders focus on the flora and fauna of the Old and New World interspersed with images of people, both artfully intertwined in a series of border portraits. Unusually, on this map, the artist responsible for the images is credited as E. Warren while the engraver is John Rogers; Rapkin is credited with engraving the map. Both Rogers and Rapkin are associated with multiple other maps in the atlas.

Original hand colour. [WLD4210]