Old Spherical Map of North America by Garnier, 1860

Step into the captivating world of 19th-century cartography with the "Amérique du Nord Spheroidale," a masterpiece crafted by the renowned mapmaker F.A. Garnier in 1860. This map offers a unique spheroidale projection of North America, a testament to Garnier's innovative approach to depicting geographical landscapes. His work is celebrated for its artistic precision and attention to detail, capturing the imagination of explorers and scholars alike. This map is not just a representation of land; it is a window into the past, showcasing the intricate political boundaries and geographical features of the era.

Garnier's map stands out with its thematic focus on the diverse terrains and political landscapes of North America. The spheroidale projection provides a three-dimensional perspective, offering viewers an immersive experience. This projection style was particularly innovative for its time, allowing a more dynamic and realistic view of the continent. The map elegantly outlines the regions, highlighting the geographical and political intricacies that defined North America in the mid-19th century.

The design of the map is a harmonious blend of art and science. Detailed engravings are complemented by delicate coloring, which delineates the various regions and countries. The map is adorned with meticulously drawn latitude and longitude lines, providing an accurate and aesthetically pleasing guide to the continent's layout. This combination of artistic flair and scientific accuracy makes Garnier's work a prized possession for collectors and history enthusiasts.

Historically, this map holds significant value as it reflects the geopolitical understanding of North America during a transformative period. The map captures the essence of a continent on the brink of change, with its detailed annotations and historical notes offering insights into the political dynamics of the time. It serves as a valuable educational tool, providing a snapshot of the world as it was understood in 1860.

Beyond its historical and educational value, the "Amérique du Nord Spheroidale" is a piece of art that enhances any collection. Its intricate details and historical context make it a conversation starter, inviting viewers to explore the rich tapestry of North American history. Whether displayed in a study or a gallery, this map is a testament to the enduring allure of cartographic art and the timeless stories it tells.

Countries and regions on this map

• North America
• Parts of South America
• Parts of Europe
• Parts of Asia
• Arctic regions

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Bodies of Water:
• Golfe de Mexique (Gulf of Mexico)
• Océan Pacifique (Pacific Ocean)
• Océan Atlantique (Atlantic Ocean)
• Mountain Ranges:
• Visible mountain ranges in western North America
• Other Features:
• Detailed latitude and longitude lines
• Historical annotations reflecting political boundaries of the time

Historical and design context

• Date of creation: 1860
• Mapmaker/Publisher: F.A. Garnier
• Design/Style:
• Spheroidale projection, offering a three-dimensional perspective
• Detailed engraving with colored outlines for different regions
• Historical significance:
• Reflects the geographical and political understanding of North America during the mid-19th century
• Provides insight into cartographic techniques and artistic styles of the era

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.