UNITED STATES (OF AMERICA) – ORIGINAL STEEL ENGRAVED MAP

Price: £135.00
Cartographer: J Rapkin
Publisher: John Tallis
Publication date: Not dated but c.1851
Format: Original steel engraving with early or original hand-colouring.
Condition: In very good condition, unframed
Sheet Size: c. 37.1cm x 26.7cm
Condition: Old tab marks to the verso. Age-toning but generally very bright and clean with good margins. A very good, strong impression. Overall in very good, bright, clean condition.

Description:

John Tallis’s map of the United States of America is one of his most iconic and sought-after works. Engraved by John Rapkin, this map was originally published as part of his renowned “The Illustrated Atlas, and Modern History of the World,” which came out in the early 1850s.

• Geographical Coverage: The map covers the entire United States as it was known at the time, including the Eastern states, the Midwest, and extending to the Western frontier. It also shows parts of Canada and Mexico. The map reflects the geopolitical landscape of the United States during a period of rapid expansion and change.
• Vignettes and Decorative Elements:
  • Vignettes: One of the most distinguishing features of Tallis’s maps is the decorative vignettes that surround the main map. On the “United States of America” map, these vignettes include scenes of American life, landmarks, and notable figures or events. On this map there are depictions of Native Americans, scenes of the early settlers and Washington’s Monument.
  • Borders: The map has a decorative border typical of Tallis’s style, adding a sense of elegance and decoration.
• Cartographic Detail:
  • The map features detailed representations of the various states and territories, including key cities, rivers, mountain ranges, and other geographical features.
  • The Western part of the map, reflecting the period’s expansionist mindset, includes territories that were still being settled and incorporated into the United States. This often includes areas labelled as “Indian Territory” or “Unexplored.”
• Historical Context:
  • Tallis’s map was produced during a time of significant growth and change in the United States, including the lead-up to the Civil War and the continuing westward expansion.
  • The map would have been valuable to both Europeans and Americans interested in understanding the rapidly changing landscape of the U.S.

John Tallis: A Short Biography:

John Tallis (1817–1876) was an English cartographer and publisher, best known for his decorative maps and atlases produced during the mid-19th century. His works are renowned for their intricate and aesthetically pleasing designs, which have made them sought-after.

Early Life and Career:

• Birth: John Tallis was born in 1817 in Stourbridge, Worcestershire, England.
• Career Beginnings: Tallis started his career in publishing in the 1830s, initially focusing on general publishing. His interest in cartography grew, and by the 1840s, he had established himself as a significant figure in the production of maps and geographical materials.

Tallis’s Major Works:

• “The Illustrated Atlas” (1851): Tallis is most famous for “The Illustrated Atlas, and Modern History of the World,” published in the early 1850s. This atlas was notable not only for its geographical accuracy but also for its elaborate vignettes and artistic embellishments. The maps in this atlas covered all regions of the world and were accompanied by scenes depicting local culture, landmarks, and historical events. These vignettes made Tallis’s maps stand out, combining cartographic detail with artistic beauty.
• Collaborations: Tallis often collaborated with other cartographers and engravers, including John Rapkin, who was responsible for many of the artistic embellishments in Tallis’s maps. Rapkin’s engravings are a hallmark of Tallis’s work, adding a distinct visual appeal that blends geographical precision with artistic representation.

Legacy and Impact:

• Cartographic Style: Tallis’s maps are characterised by their decorative borders and the inclusion of elaborate scenes and vignettes. This style was particularly popular in the Victorian era, catering to the tastes of a public interested in both exploration and the exoticism of foreign lands.
• Influence: Although his work was not as scientifically advanced as some of his contemporaries, Tallis’s maps were widely used and admired for their aesthetic qualities. They became popular not only as tools for geographical education but also as decorative items for homes and places of work.

Later Life and Death:

• Business Difficulties: Despite his early success, Tallis faced financial difficulties later in life. The rapid changes in the publishing industry and the rise of cheaper, more practical maps led to a decline in demand for his elaborate, decorative style.
• Death: John Tallis passed away in London in 1876. Despite his later struggles, his maps and atlases remain some of the most distinctive and well-regarded cartographic works of the 19th century.

John Tallis’s legacy lives on through his beautifully designed maps, which continue to be admired for their artistic detail and historical significance. His work reflects the Victorian era’s fascination with geography and exploration, capturing a world that was rapidly expanding and becoming more interconnected.

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 collectable.
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: FS: Folder 1009: 002297

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