Van Diemen's Island or Tasmania decorative Tallis map (c1853)

by John Tallis & Company

Tasmania or Van Diemens Land, Heritage Editions map.

Reproduction from a steel-engraved map drawn and engraved by John Rapkin; with finely-engraved border and vignettes of Hobart, Residence of the Van Diemen's Land Company's Agent, Circular Head, and Thylacinus cynocephalus (Thylacine) drawn by H. Warren, engraved by J. Rogers for publication by The London Printing and Publishing Company partnership of John Tallis and Ephraim Tipton Brain.

As principal engraver of maps and prints for Tallis, John Rapkin’s ability and finesse were 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. Tallis c.1835-1860 were renowned for finely engraved up-to-date maps - among the last decorative maps published as slow, skilled work was costly.

Page size: 385 x 310mm (15 1/8 x 12 1/4 inches). Map size: 350 x 255mm (13 3/4 x 10 inches).