Cape Colony, South Africa. Tallis antique map c1851
$270.00
Decorative antique map of South African Cape Colony, by John Tallis c1851. Engraved vignettes of the Entrance to the Kysna, Cape Town, Grahams Town, African natives and the seal. As published in 1851, with pen outlining of regions and coastline and pale blue wash along the coast.
John Tallis was the driving force behind the Tallis publishing company, but John Rapkin was largely responsible for Tallis's reputation as publishers of accurate, finely engraved decorative maps. Tallis maps are easily recognized by their steel engraved vignettes of important subjects in the region, and elegantly drawn and engraved borders – in this case, drawn by H. Warren and engraved by H. Bond. Specialist map illustrators drew the illustrations, and then engraved a steel plate, in reverse from a mirror image. The fine engraving required skill and time. Unfortunately it was also expensive. In 1865 Tallis was among the last of the publishers of beautifully decorated maps and prints.
This map is in fine condition except for slight soiling upper left and along central vertical fold for a publication half its size: 278 x 379mm (11 x 15 inches).
