Famous pictorial map of Manhattan, New York City drawn in Chase's distinctive style. The emphasis is on the famous buildings of the city with an illustrated border of architectural vignettes on the left and right. The interior of the map focuses on the location of famous buildings and attractions throughout Manhattan, again illustrating them with small, detailed vignettes.



Printed colour. Signed by the author in pencil. Backed on archival linen. (SL) [USA8930]



Ernest Dudley Chase



Ernest Dudley Chase (1878-1966), born in Lowell, Massachusetts, is one of the best known and prolific pictorial mapmakers of the 20th century. He created more than 50 different maps in his very distinctive style. A perfectionist, he is noted for his attention to fine details and for his illustrated vignettes. The maps frequently dealt humorously with serious subjects while always reflecting his passionate patriotism and optimism.



Many of his maps focus on his native New England, but he also designed maps of the world, Europe, North and South America, and WWII-themed maps. He published all of his maps from his home in Winchester, Massachusetts, taking orders from customers through the post. In a delightfully personal touch, he would sometimes sign his maps in pencil before dispatching them to customers.