[World]. MAPPEMONDE et description générale du globe terrest - Lot 26

[World]. MAPPEMONDE et description générale du globe terrestre et aquatique ou sont les remarquées en général toutes les parties de la Terre et de l'eau. [Paris?], [18th century]. 1 copper-engraved map (51 x 70 cm.), mounted on heavy old canvas (rubbing, minor restorations, notably to upper right corner). Rare world map, based on the observations of Messieurs de l'Académie royale des Sciences, illustrating the world in two hemispheres with approximate limits, particularly for North America, which was still little explored at the time. South America is described in greater detail, although some regions, such as Brazil and Peru, are still largely unknown. The Pacific Ocean separates these continents from the vast lands of Asia and the southern regions. To the south of the map are mentioned "Terres Australes et inconnues . At the time, cartographers imagined a vast southern land to balance the globe, according to their geographical theories. This land was speculative, but it actually foreshadowed Antarctica, which would not be discovered until much later, in the early 19th century. In the margins, the map is rich in astronomical notes, and features 11 figures, including representations of the solar system and the poles. It also features a large decorative title cartouche.