Decorative World double hemisphere 1778 Sea of West Mer de L'Ouest myth pre-Cook

Mappe-Monde Dressee pour l'Etude de la Geographie, relativement aux Auteurs le plus Modernes. 

(World Map, Hemishpheres, Sea of the West, New Holland, Incomplete Australia). 

Issued 1778, Paris by Brion & Desnos. 

Beautiful decorative mid-18th century engraved world map with original hand color heightened in outline. Two seated mythological Atlas figures seen holding the world aloft, a dedication banner between them. Scroll & vegetation title cartouche in top cusp. On either side is original descriptive text relating to the world, separately printed and affixed prior to issue by the publisher.

Of particular note for the huge mythical "Mer de l'Ouest" (Sea of the West) shown above California & Oregon region. West from this is an undefined coastline sighted by de L'Isle in 1741.

Entire eastern coastline of Australia still unexplored by Capt. Cook and thus undefined with a distorted speculative outline shape, the relationship to Van Diemens island intentionally left unclear, New Guinea still joined.

Map remains well preserved. Old paper repairs quaintly done at bottom, slight inoffensive touch of separation visible. 

Original center fold line as issued.

Sheet measures c.  13 1/4" H x  19 1/2" W.

Printed area measures c. 9 1/4" H x  10 1/8" W. 

Tooleys Dictionary of Mapmakers , v. 1, p. 191.

[R20763].