WEST INDISES CARIIBEAN FLORIDA MEXICO 1830ca PIERRE LAPIE UNUSUAL ANTIQUE MAP

Carte du Méxique et Archipel des Antilles Dressée par P. Lapie, Géographe. 

Description: Striking and highly detailed fine unusual Pierre Lapie’s 1830 approx. original copper engraved map focusing on the Caribbean basin, showing in detail the Gulf of Mexico, the Greater and Lesser Antilles, Central America (shown as Guatemala), and the northern coast of South America (New Grenada and Caracas).
 
Notable geographical features such as islands, coastal lines, and bodies of water are prominently displayed. The map also includes parts of Central America, illustrating political boundaries and significant settlements of the time.
 
Cultural and Historical Context:
 
Created during a period of extensive exploration and colonial expansion, this map reflects the geopolitical interests of European powers in the Caribbean and surrounding regions. The inclusion of detailed geographic and political information indicates the strategic importance of these areas in global trade and politics during the early 19th century. This map would have been a valuable resource for navigators, merchants, and policymakers.
 
Notable Features:
 
- Prime Meridian: The use of Paris as the prime meridian highlights the French influence and perspective in mapmaking during this era.
 
- Relief Representation: The map's relief is shown using hachures, a common technique before the widespread adoption of contour lines, providing a visual sense of terrain.
 
- Hand Coloring: The outline hand coloring helps to distinguish between different regions and territories, enhancing both the aesthetic and practical aspects of the map.
 
Source: Pierre Lapie. Atlas Classique et Universel De Geographie Ancienne Et Moderne, Servant tant à l'instruction de la Jeneusse qu'à l'intelligence de l'Histoire et des Voyages dans les differentes parties du MondeDressé pour l'Instruction de la Jeunesse, et notamment pour les Colleges Royaux, et les Ecoles Militaires. Par M. Lapie, Colonel au Corp Royal des Ingénieurs Géographes Militaires, Chevalier des Ordres Royaux de Saint-Louis et de Légion d'Honneur. ancient Directer du Cabinet Topographicque du Roi. Cinquième Édition, Revue et Corrigée. A Paris, Chez Anselin, Successeur de Maginet ... Et Chez Poquet.

Date: 1830 approx. ( undated )

Dimension: Map size approx.: cm 39,8 x 27,8

Condition: Very strong and dark impression on good paper. Map old original colored. Wide margins. Small foxing and browming. Small holes along top margin due to the binding. Conditions are as you can see in the images. 

Mapmakers: Pierre M. Lapie (fl. 1779 - 1850) and his son Alexandre Emile Lapie (fl. 1809 - 1850) were French cartographers and engravers active in the early part of the 19th century. The Lapies were commissioned officers in the French army holding the ranks of Colonel and Capitan, respectively. Alexander enjoyed the title of "First Geographer to the King", and this title appears on several of his atlases. Both father and son were exceptional engravers and fastidious cartographers. Working separately and jointly they published four important atlases, an 1811 Atlas of the French Empire (Alexander), the 1812 Atlas Classique et Universel (Pierre), the Atlas Universel de Geographie Ancienne et Modern (joint issue), and the 1848 Atlas Militaire (Alexander). They also issued many smaller maps and independent issues. All of these are products of exceptional beauty and detail. Despite producing many beautiful maps and atlases, the work of the Lapie family remains largely underappreciated by most modern collectors and map historians. The later 19th century cartographer A. H. Dufour claimed to be a student of Lapie, though it is unclear if he was referring to the father or the son. The work of the Lapie firm, with its precise engraving and informational density, strongly influenced the mid-19th century German commercial map publishers whose maps would eventually dominate the continental market.