Photo: Sotheby's...can be enlarged.
LONDON.- On November 13, 2008 Sotheby’s London auctioned a large, finely-engraved antiquarian map of the northeast part of America, drawn by “The Father of New France”, Samuel de Champlain (est. £30,000-40,000). Champlain’s very rare map of 1612 is considered the most important single map in the history of Canada, and can be regarded as a foundation document for Canada. This map sold for £157,250 GBP which is approximately $232,101. in US dollars.
The map was the highlight of Sotheby’s sale of Natural History, Travel, Atlases and Maps. It was drawn from Champlain's personal observations in over twenty voyages to Canada and New England. It is also the first printed map to allude to the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes system based on factual (rather than hearsay or imaginary) evidence.
Champlain has been described as “The driving force behind the initial success of French attempts at gaining a foothold in America”. The map accompanied the publication of Les Voyages du Sieur de Champlain, which included large-scale plans for potential harbours, with an important description and promotional account of Canada.
Take care of your antiques and they will take care of you.
1 comment:
Rosemary, in Ottawa there is a huge statue of Champlain overlooking the Ottawa River, where he sailed to from the St. Lawrence. Thanks for this article!
Post a Comment