Tallis New Zealand decorative antique map – Wellington, Auckland, c1851.

$1,000.00

Antique map of New Zealand with contemporary country outlining, region highlighting, and pen underscoring of major towns. Vignettes of Auckland, Mount Egmont from New Plymouth, Wellington, Maori head study and New Zealand seal, border of New Zealand motifs. John Tallis & Co. c1851 (later colour to vignettes and border).

Original map of New Zealand c1851. The map was drawn and engraved by J. Rapkin. Illustrations by H. Warren were engraved by J.B. Allen. Published in London by John Tallis & Company, London & New York. Tallis and Company were renowned for publishing high quality illustrated books and atlases, with the major subject embellished by fine steel engravings of important related subjects. Tallis maps are distinctive for the addition of elegantly engraved 'cartouche' title-pieces and borders with appropriate vignettes.

As principal engraver of maps and prints for Tallis & Company, John Rapkin was greatly responsible for the Company’s reputation as publishers of accurate and attractive maps. As with all steel engraved maps, they were first drawn, and then engraved in reverse from a mirror image. Engraving illustrations was slow and expensive. In 1865 Tallis was among the last of the publishers of decorative maps and prints.

This map is in good condition with central horizontal fold reinforced at extreme left end with conservation repair tape. This map was engraved too large for the publication and has been close-cropped at top. It will look great when framed. This map is much in demand as there is no other decorative antique map of New Zealand. Map page size is 350 x 270 mm (14 x 10 5/8 inches).

Out of stock