Tallis decorative map of Pacific Islands and Australia. Polynesia, c1853

by John Tallis & Company

Polynesia, or Islands in the Pacific Ocean c1853. Finely engraved Tallis antique map. This map shows the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii), Society Islands (Tahiti), Friendly Islands (Tonga), the New Hebrides (Vanuatu), and the Caroline Islands of Micronesia. The map was drawn and engraved by John Rapkin, with illustrations drawn by Henry Winkles & Engraved by T. Wrightson. Published in 1853 by John Tallis & Company of London & New York.

Tallis and Company established their reputation as publishers of high quality books and grand atlases, by embellishing the fine engraving of the main subject with small engraved "vignettes". John Rapkin was largely responsible for the fine reputation of Tallis and Company. The publishing firm of Tallis flourished from 1835 to 1860. They produced some of the last decorative maps to be published, as this slow, skilled, labour-intensive work added considerably to the cost of production.

This map has decorative later hand-colour to the border and vignettes, as well as the usual contemporary coloured pen outlining of the countries and a light wash applied to the coastlines. It has always been traditional that the decorative vignettes and intricately engraved border are hand-coloured with watercolour - which certainly adds to the decorative appeal of the map.

The map is in fine condition with good margins. The page measures 270 x 355cm (10 5/8 x 14 inches)