The most decorative map ever done of Victoria, known as Port Phillip settlement. This is one of only 500 prints reproduced from a map drawn and engraved by John Rapkin for John Tallis & Company, London and New York c1853.
The publishing firm of Tallis flourished from 1835 to 1860, and were renowned for their fine steel-engraved maps and prints. Engraving illustrations was skilled work and expensive, and Tallis maps were among the last finely decorative maps published. All their maps were adorned by decorative borders and vignettes of cities, native fauna and flora, or people of the region shown.
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. Vignettes of this map have been hand-tinted with watercolour. The map is also available as printed, in black and white (previous listing).