Claude Delisle (1644-1720)
Profile :
Claude Delisle, also known as Guillaume Delisle, was one of the most important and influential cartographers of the 18th century. His innovative approach to cartography, which was grounded in the latest scientific knowledge and measurement techniques, revolutionized the field and set a new standard for accuracy and precision in mapmaking.
Delisle's maps were known for their exceptional accuracy and detail, and they were widely used by governments, scholars, and explorers throughout Europe. He drew upon the latest astronomical and mathematical data to create maps that were more precise and reliable than those that had come before.
One of Delisle's most important contributions to cartography was his development of the "Delisle Method," which involved the use of triangulation to measure distances between points on the earth's surface. This method allowed for more accurate mapping of large areas and was widely adopted by other cartographers.
Delisle's maps were also notable for their use of shaded relief, which helped to convey a sense of three-dimensionality and depth. He was one of the first cartographers to incorporate this technique into his maps, and it became a hallmark of his work.
Delisle produced a number of important maps and atlases during his career, including the Atlas Nouveau, which was considered one of the finest atlases of the 18th century. He also produced maps of many regions of Europe, Africa, and the Americas, including detailed maps of France, Spain, Portugal, and the British Isles.
Delisle's work had a profound impact on the field of cartography, and his legacy as one of the greatest cartographers of all time continues to be felt today. His maps and atlases are highly valued by collectors and scholars, and his contributions to the field of geography and mapmaking have been recognized and celebrated for centuries.
Claude Delisle (1)
1720 Guillaume Delisle Large Antique Map of America, New Zealand, Pacific Ocean
- Title : Hemisphere Occidental Dresse en 1720 pour l usage
- Date : 1720
- Condition: (A+) Fine Condition
- Ref: 93081
- Size: 25in x 21in (635mm x 535mm)
Description:
This very large 1st edition beautifully hand coloured original antique Map of America by Guillaume Delisle, was engraved by J De la Haye in 1720, dated, and was was published in the Atlas Nouveau.
General Definitions:
Paper thickness and quality: - Heavy and stable
Paper color : - off white
Age of map color: - Original
Colors used: - Blue, pink, red, green, yellow
General color appearance: - Authentic
Paper size: - 25in x 21in (635mm x 535mm)
Plate size: - 19 1/2in x 19in (490mm x 485mm)
Margins: - Min 1/2in (12mm)
Imperfections:
Margins: - Uniform age toning
Plate area: - Uniform age toning
Verso: - Uniform age toning
Background:
Guillaume de L isle was responsible for some of the most accurate maps of America avaialble in the early 18th century. Delisle did away with most of the speculative cartography especially of North America and researched his information in finite detail. This can be seen in many ways. The most oblivious is showing California as a Peninsular - which some cartographers did not believe until the 1740\'s - and the NW region has been left blank, free of speculation. Another noticeable difference is the accurate depiction of the Great Lakes.
As with all Delisle\'s map this is finely engraved with amazing detail and hand colour. The map includes the tracks of many explorers up until 1710. These include Magellan 1520, Halley 1700, de Quiros 1605, de Mendana 1595, de la Maire 1616, Tasman, Halley and others. (Ref: M&B; Tooley)
