Acquired From: Gowrie Galleries
Colouring: Coloured
Condition: Very Good
Confirmed: Yes
Date Acquired: 26/6/2000
Dealers ID No.: M544/2 (STK 677.01)
Description: This rare English sea chart by John Seller, covering the maritime expanse from Cape Comorin (southern India) to Japan, is among the earliest English-published nautical maps to depict the East Indies and Australia based on Dutch discoveries. The present example is the third state, issued circa 1675 and published in a later edition of Sellers Atlas Maritimus, printed by John Darby.nSellers chart is a close adaptation of the 1666 East Indies map by Pieter Goos, mirroring its geographic content while adding English decorative and typographic elements. Seller openly acknowledged his dependence on Dutch sources, and this chart typifies his strategy of reissuing and repackaging Dutch nautical knowledge for the English maritime market.nThe map shows early Dutch discoveries along the coasts of New Holland (Australia), based on voyages by:n- Dirk Hartog (1616) west coast- Frederik de Houtman (1619)- François Thijssen and Pieter Nuyts (1627) south coast- de Leeuwin (1622) and Gerrit de Witt (1628) southwest- Jan Carstensz (1623) Cape York Peninsula- Abel Tasman (1644) northern coast (Tasmans 164243 discoveries of Tasmania and New Zealand are notably omitted, consistent with Dutch charting conventions of the time).nTwo small flags on the southeastern coast of India mark Fort St. George, a notable addition unique to this third state. The charts dedication to Lord Berkeley, the engraved signature of F. Lamb, and the names of Sellers consortium partnersJohn Thornton, John Colson, William Fisher, and James Atkinsonare all features added following Sellers 1675 financial restructuring.Distinctive Features:n- North-oriented to the left, following Dutch nautical convention- Dense network of rhumb lines and two compass roses- Decorative title cartouche with fruit garland, allegorical figures, and a small yacht – Scale of miles presented within an elaborate framenStates (per Tooley):First state (ca. 1670): No imprint or dedicationSecond state Adds F. Lambs signature and dedication to BerkeleyThird state (this copy): Adds Sellers publishing partners and Fort St. GeorgeFourth state (ca. 1670s1680): Removes Lambs signature and Berkeley dedicationThough derivative in content, this chart is significant as an early English adaptation of Dutch exploration and hydrography in the East Indies. It reflects the commercial ambitions of English publishers like Seller to assert a presence in the competitive world of maritime cartographic production
Engraver: Lamb, Francis
First published: Atlas maritimus, London: John Seller, [1670]
Image Size (cm): 54.5×44
Mapmaker: Seller, John (fl. 1658-1698)
Price: A5,800 plus gst
Primary Category: Sea Charts
Purchase Reference: Letter 26 June 2000 on green paper
Rarity: R2 Very rare – one or two copies appear on the market
References: Dewez printed world III pg 42 map 105, Tooley, 1132.
Technique: Copper Engraving
This state: 1675, Third
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