Hemisphere Occidental. 

(Western Hemisphere, North America, South America, New Spain, Portugal, New England, Sea of the West). 

Issued 1766, Paris by Brion & Desnos.

With a huge mythical Mer de l'Ouest shown above modern day California. A long westward extension for Alaska also indicates the lack of reliable geographical knowledge. Indeed, this section of northern America is almost entirely conjectural and erroneous.Various explorer tracks seen in the oceans (but prior to Cook). A fascinating map. 

Beautiful and very uncommon/ rare old engraved map with nice original hand color heightened in outline. A beautiful decorative title cartouche adds to the visual appeal of the map. On either side is original letter-press descriptive text relating to the geographical area depicted. This text has been separately printed and affixed on either side prior to issue by the publisher.

Original center fold line as issued.

Sheet measures c.  13 1/8" H x  19 5/8" W.

Printed area measures c. 9 1/8" H x  9" W 

Tooleys Dictionary of Mapmakers , v. 1, p. 191

[R20678]