ISTHMUS OF PANAMA – ORIGINAL STEEL ENGRAVED MAP

Price: £50.00
Cartographer: J Rapkin
Publisher: John Tallis
Publication date: circa 1850
Format: Original steel engraving
Condition: In very good condition, unframed
Sheet Size: 27.8cm x 35cm
Condition: Age-toning, two short closed tears to the upper margin, not affecting the plate surface, and allowing ample room for the mount. In very good condition overall.

Isthmus Of Panama: A Short Description

The “Isthmus of Panama” map by John Tallis is a historical steel-engraved map that was produced as part of Tallis’s atlas series in the mid-19th century. John Tallis was a well-known British cartographer and publisher, recognized for his detailed and decorative maps. His maps are particularly notable for the ornate borders and vignette illustrations that often accompany the geographical depictions.

Key Features of the Map:

1. 1. Geographical Details: The map features the Isthmus of Panama, which is the narrow land bridge connecting North and South America. It likely shows the region as it appeared before the construction of the Panama Canal, detailing the geography, rivers, and early settlements in the area.
   2. Vignette Illustrations: Like many of Tallis’s maps, this one includes two vignette illustrations, providing a cultural or historical context that complements the geographical information. The vignettes are of ‘The Fort at Chagres’ and ‘Gold seekers on their way over the Cordilleras’.
   3. Ornate Borders: The map is framed with the elaborate borders typical of Tallis’s work, adding an artistic element to his maps.
   4. Engraving Style: Being a steel-engraved map, it features fine lines and detailed shading, which were made possible by the steel engraving process. This technique allowed for more precision and durability compared to earlier copperplate engravings.
   5. Historical Context: This map was created during a time of increased interest in Central America, partly due to the potential for a transcontinental canal. Although the Panama Canal was not constructed until the early 20th century, the area was of significant strategic and economic interest during Tallis’s time.

John Rapkin: A Short Biography

John Rapkin was a prominent English engraver and mapmaker during the 19th century, best known for his collaboration with John Tallis in producing the highly decorative and detailed maps that were included in Tallis’s various atlases. Rapkin’s work is particularly noted for its artistic qualities, combining accurate cartographic detail with elaborate decorative elements, including borders, vignettes, and scenes of local interest.

Key Aspects of John Rapkin’s Work:

1. Collaboration with John Tallis: Rapkin’s most famous work comes from his partnership with John Tallis. Rapkin was the primary cartographer and engraver for many of the maps in Tallis’s atlases, which were published in the mid-19th century. These atlases were known for their decorative and informative maps that appealed to both the general public and collectors.
2. Ornate Borders and Vignettes: Rapkin’s maps are distinguished by their elaborate borders and vignettes. These often depicted scenes relevant to the region shown on the map, including indigenous peoples, wildlife, landscapes, and important historical events. The combination of geographical information and visual artistry made these maps particularly appealing and collectible.
3. Accuracy and Detail: Despite the decorative elements, Rapkin’s maps were also noted for their accuracy and attention to detail. He carefully depicted the geographical features of the regions, including coastlines, rivers, mountain ranges, and settlements, which were all rendered with precision typical of the steel engraving process.
4. Engraving Technique: Rapkin’s maps were produced using steel engraving, a technique that allowed for finer lines and more intricate details than earlier methods like copperplate engraving. This technique was well-suited to the level of detail and decorative flourishes that characterised his work.
5. Historical Context: Rapkin’s maps were produced during a period of significant exploration and colonial expansion. His work reflects the European interest in and engagement with the wider world during the 19th century, providing a snapshot of global geography and cultural perceptions of the time.

Notable Works:

Some of the notable works that feature John Rapkin’s cartography include:

• “Tallis’s Illustrated Atlas and Modern History of the World” (1851): This is one of the most famous atlases containing Rapkin’s maps. The maps in this atlas cover various regions of the world, often with decorative scenes that highlight the culture and history of the area.
• Regional Maps: Rapkin produced maps covering various parts of the world, including Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa. Each map is a combination of geographical detail and artistic representation, making them popular among collectors of antique maps.

Rapkin’s contribution to cartography lies in his ability to blend precise geographical information with artistic expression, making his maps not only useful tools for understanding the world but also beautiful works of art.

Location: Map drawer C: Folder: SA1010

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