Old Spherical Map of South America by Garnier, 1860

Step into the world of 19th-century exploration with the "Amérique du Sud Spheroidale," a captivating map crafted by the esteemed cartographer F.A. Garnier in 1860. This exquisite piece captures the essence of South America through a spheroidal projection, offering a unique three-dimensional perspective that was innovative for its time. Garnier, known for his artistic flair and precision, presents a map that not only serves as a geographical guide but also as a testament to the era's burgeoning interest in the uncharted territories of the Southern Hemisphere.

The map's thematic focus on South America is both comprehensive and detailed, highlighting the continent's geographical diversity. From the vast stretches of the Amazon Basin to the rugged Andes Mountains, Garnier's work reflects a deep understanding of the region's topography. The inclusion of the Antarctic region at the map's base underscores the period's fascination with exploration and the unknown, inviting viewers to ponder the mysteries that lay beyond the southernmost reaches of the globe.

Garnier's artistic prowess is evident in the map's design, which features a decorative title cartouche that adds an element of elegance and sophistication. The use of a spheroidal projection was a bold choice, providing a sense of depth and realism that draws the viewer into the map's intricate details. This style, combined with the meticulous labeling of oceans and mountain ranges, showcases Garnier's commitment to both aesthetic beauty and scientific accuracy.

Historically, this map serves as a window into the 19th century, a time when cartography was both an art and a science. It reflects the era's spirit of discovery and the desire to chart the world's unknown regions. The map's depiction of South America and Antarctica offers insight into the geographical knowledge of the time, as well as the ambitions of explorers and mapmakers like Garnier, who sought to bring the world closer to those who dared to dream.

In essence, the "Amérique du Sud Spheroidale" is more than just a map; it is a masterpiece that embodies the spirit of an age defined by exploration and discovery. Its intricate details and artistic design make it a valuable addition to any collection, offering both historical significance and timeless beauty. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a lover of history, this map invites you to embark on a journey through time and space, guided by the hand of one of the 19th century's most talented cartographers.

Countries and regions on this map

• South America
• Central America
• Antarctica
• Parts of North America (Caribbean region)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset illustrations:
• Decorative title cartouche at the top.
• Bodies of water:
• Atlantic Ocean
• Pacific Ocean
• Mountain ranges:
• Andes Mountains
• Other features:
• Antarctic region depicted at the bottom of the map.

Historical and design context

• Mapmaker/Publisher: F.A. Garnier, known for detailed and artistic maps in the 19th century.
• Themes and topics:
• Focus on geographic and spheroidal projection of South America.
• Insight into cartographic techniques and geographic understanding of the time.
• Design/Style:
• Spheroidal projection, giving a three-dimensional appearance.
• Decorative elements typical of 19th-century cartography.
• Historical significance:
• Reflects 19th-century interest in exploration and mapping of less-known regions like Antarctica.
• Demonstrates cartographic skills and artistic style of the period.

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.