A MAP OF OLD AND NEW CASTILE FROM THE OBSERVATIONS OF RODRIGO MENDES SILVA AND OTHERS

Cartographer: John Senex
Price: £225.00
Publisher: John Senex, London
Publication Date: 1714-28
Format: Original copper engraving with early hand-colouring
Condition: Very good
Edition: 1st edition, 2nd state
Sheet Size: 62.7cm x 49.7cm

Condition:

Old, professional archive repair to the reverse of the lower margin, not affecting the map. Minor age-toning, spotting and creasing but generally very bright and clean with very good margins. A very good, strong impression. Scarce and in very good, bright, clean condition. Location: Map Drawer C: FS: Folder 1009: 002292

Description:

This finely detailed map of Old and New Castile, published by John Senex in London between 1714 and 1728, is based on the observations of Rodrigo Mendes Silva and other notable geographers of the time. Senex, a leading English cartographer, was known for his commitment to accuracy and artistic quality, both of which are evident in this map. The regions of Old and New Castile, which form the historical heart of Spain, are depicted with meticulous detail, including towns, rivers, and the varied topography of the region. This map reflects the early 18th century’s growing interest in the geography of the Iberian Peninsula and serves as both a functional and decorative piece.

John Senex: A Short Biography

John Senex (1678–1740) was an influential English cartographer, engraver, and publisher, recognized for his contributions to the field of mapmaking during the early 18th century. Senex’s work is particularly noted for its accuracy, artistic quality, and the role it played in the advancement of geographical knowledge during his time.

Early Life and Career:

• Birth: John Senex was born in 1678 in Ludlow, Shropshire, England. Little is known about his early life and education, but by the early 1700s, he had moved to London, where he began his career as an engraver and publisher.
• Initial Work: Senex initially worked in partnership with Charles Price and James Maxwell, two other engravers and mapmakers. Their collaboration produced several notable maps and globes, laying the foundation for Senex’s later success.

Major Contributions:

• Map Publishing: Senex became a leading figure in the London mapmaking community. He was known for his detailed and meticulously crafted maps, many of which were based on the latest geographical discoveries. His works often combined scientific accuracy with artistic embellishments, making them both informative and visually appealing.
• Atlases: Among his notable works is “A New General Atlas,” first published in 1721, which was one of the most comprehensive atlases of its time. This atlas included maps of various parts of the world, reflecting the expanding knowledge of geography during the Age of Enlightenment.
• Celestial Cartography: Senex also made significant contributions to celestial cartography. He published star charts and celestial globes, which were highly regarded for their precision and elegance. His celestial globe, produced in 1719, is particularly well-known and is still considered a masterpiece of early 18th-century craftsmanship.
• Collaborations: Throughout his career, Senex collaborated with other prominent figures in the cartographic world, including William de Lisle, a leading French cartographer. This collaboration resulted in the production of several high-quality maps that combined the latest geographical data from both England and France.

Professional Recognition:

• Fellow of the Royal Society: In recognition of his contributions to the advancement of geographical knowledge, John Senex was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1728. This prestigious honour reflected the importance of his work in both the scientific and cartographic communities.

Legacy and Impact:

• Influence on Cartography: Senex’s maps and atlases were widely used and respected during his lifetime and continued to be influential after his death. His work helped to set standards for accuracy and quality in mapmaking, and his atlases were used as references by explorers, scholars, and navigators.
• Collectability: Today, John Senex’s maps and globes are considered valuable artefacts of the early 18th century. They are prized for their historical significance, artistic merit, and the insight they provide into the geographical knowledge of the time.

Death:

• Passing: John Senex passed away in 1740 in London, leaving behind a rich legacy of cartographic works that continue to be celebrated by historians and collectors alike.

John Senex’s contributions to cartography were instrumental in the dissemination of geographical knowledge during a period of great exploration and scientific inquiry. His maps, atlases, and globes remain important examples of the craftsmanship and intellectual curiosity of the Enlightenment era.

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