Title: The Bay and Rocks of Petaplan – Panama by George Anson, 1748

English Description:

This antique map titled "The Bay and Rocks of Petaplan" provides a detailed depiction of the coast of Panama, featuring the hill of Petaplan and the island rocks known as the White Friars. Created during George Anson’s legendary voyage around the world in 1748, this map is a copperplate engraving with hand coloring, showcasing the geographical knowledge gathered during Anson’s circumnavigation. It is decorated with a wind rose and nautical depth soundings, reflecting the navigational and maritime practices of the 18th century.

Historical Context:

• Anson’s Voyage Around the World: George Anson, Baron Anson (1697–1762), was a British naval officer who led a circumnavigation of the globe (1740–1744). This map was published in 1748 as part of his account, "A Voyage Round the World", which documented his expedition through the Pacific Ocean and his strategic raids on Spanish colonial ports.
• Maritime Exploration and Naval Warfare: The map reflects Anson’s strategic exploration of the Pacific coast of Panama, where he targeted Spanish treasure ships along the Panama-Pacific trade route. His naval tactics and geographical discoveries were crucial to British naval supremacy.
• Colonial Trade and the Spanish Empire: The Rocks of Petaplan and the White Friars were notable nautical landmarks for Spanish galleons transporting gold and silver from South America to Spain via the Pacific and Caribbean maritime routes.
• Cartographic and Nautical Significance: The map served as a nautical chart for navigating the treacherous coastline of Panama, marked with depth soundings, shoals, and the wind rose for navigational guidance. It was vital for British privateers and explorers who navigated the Spanish Main.
• Cultural and Historical Insight: This map provides insight into the geopolitical conflicts between the British and Spanish Empires during the War of Jenkins' Ear (1739–1748), highlighting the strategic importance of Panama in trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic commerce.

Key Features:

• Medium: Copperplate engraving with hand coloring, typical of the nautical cartographic style of the mid-18th century.
• Decorative Elements:
  • Wind Rose: An elegantly engraved wind rose depicting the cardinal directions, aiding navigators in determining wind patterns and sea currents.
  • Nautical Depth Soundings: Marked with depth soundings and shoal areas, essential for safe maritime navigation.
• Geographical Scope:
  • Bay and Rocks of Petaplan – Detailed rendering of the Panamanian coastline, including the hill of Petaplan and the White Friars, a group of island rocks that served as navigational landmarks.
  • Coastal Features and Harbors: Shows the inlets, bays, and coastal fortifications, reflecting the strategic maritime landscape of Spanish Panama.
• Historical Accuracy: The map is geographically accurate for its time, reflecting the latest nautical knowledge gathered during Anson’s circumnavigation and his naval encounters with the Spanish Armada.
• Cartographer and Author:
  • George Anson, Baron Anson (1697–1762) – A celebrated British naval officer and circumnavigator, known for his expedition against Spanish colonial ports and his contribution to maritime exploration.
  • Engraved by John and Paul Knapton – Renowned British engravers and publishers, known for their nautical maps and exploration narratives.

Publisher and Origin:

• Published in: "A Voyage Round the World" by George Anson, documenting his circumnavigation (1740–1744) and his encounters with Spanish treasure fleets.
• Publication Period: First Edition, 1748, printed in London by John and Paul Knapton, reflecting the Age of Exploration and British naval power.
• Historical Importance: The book became a bestseller and greatly influenced maritime exploration, nautical charting, and the British Admiralty’s naval strategies.

Dimensions:

• Image Size: 52.5 x 28 cm (20.5 x 11 inches)

Condition:

This map is in Good Condition, featuring lightly browned borders and folds as published, preserving its historical authenticity. Its nautical precision and decorative elegance make it a remarkable collector’s item for enthusiasts of maritime history, colonial exploration, or antique maps.

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