China. Wanshan Archipelago (previous Lema and Ladrone Islands) Anson c1748

by Anson, George

18thC antique print. Islands of Lema and Ladrone, China.

Original copperplate engraving published in London in 1748 for A Voyage Round the World in the Years MDCCXL, I, II III, IV (1740,1,2,3,4) by George Anson Esquire, "the story of a remarkable voyage extremely well told".

During Britain's conflict with Spain, between 1740 and 1744 George Anson (1697-1762) led a squadron of eight ships on a mission to disrupt or capture the Pacific Ocean possessions of the Spanish Empire. Anson's voyage was notable for the capture of the Manila Galleon (Spain's regular crossing of the Pacific Ocean between the Spanish Crown's Viceroyalty of New Spain in Mexico City and its Asian territories, known as the Spanish East Indies). Returning to Britain via China, Anson circumnavigated the world. He was appointed Admiral of the British Fleet and initiated many reforms in the navy.

This early antique print has fine later hand-color. It is long - with indications that the left end of the long lower engraving should join the right end of the upper engravings. Two vertical folds to accommodate a smaller publication. The page is slightly soiled with damaged edges. Page is 235 x 545mm (9.25 x 21.5 inches). To plate mark measures 200 x 520mm (8 x  20.518.75 inches)