Decorative map. Van Diemen's Island or Tasmania Tallis map c1853.

by John Tallis & Company

Original antique map of Tasmania published c1853 with contemporary county outlining (as published), and additional decorative colour to border and vignettes. Drawn and engraved by John Rapkin, with the illustrations by H. Warren & engraved by J. Rogers for John Tallis & Company, London and New York. This map has vignettes of Hobart, Residence of  the V.D.L. Company's Agent, Circular Head, and Thylacinus cynocephalus (Thylacine).

Tallis and Company established a reputation in both London and New York as publishers of high quality books and grand atlases, by illustrating them with fine steel engravings. The distinctive Tallis style incorporates decoratively engraved cartouche title pieces, borders and “vignettes” of relative to the subject or area depicted. Maps included views of major cities, typical and unusual flora and fauna and people. 

As principal engraver of maps and prints for Tallis, John Rapkin’s ability and finesse was greatly responsible for the Company’s reputation as publishers of accurate and visually attractive maps. Illustrations decorating the maps, portraits and views were drawn and then engraved by skilled craftsmen - in reverse from a mirror image. Engraving illustrations was expensive. In 1865 Tallis was among the last of the publishers of beautifully decorated maps and prints. 

Pretty antique map of Tasmania with central horizontal fold which facilitated publication in an atlas half the size of the map.  Paper size 347 x 270mm (13 5/8 x 10 5/8 inches).