North America | Map | 1831 | Giclée Print

Philippe Vandermaelen's "Carte de l'Amérique Septentrionale" is an impressive map from 1831. With its remarkable original dimensions of 142 cm wide and 112 cm high, it was part of a large-scale series by the Belgian cartographer, who was known for his innovative use of lithography.
The map depicts North America during a period of intense exploration and transformation. Particularly striking are the detailed depictions of river systems, especially in the western part of the continent: rivers like the Mississippi and Missouri, with their numerous tributaries, illustrate the central role of waterways for trade, exploration, and early settlements.
A significant focus is on the representation of indigenous peoples. The map marks the locations of numerous indigenous tribes and provides insight into the distribution of their territories before the massive westward expansion by European settlers profoundly altered their habitats. At the same time, speculative or mythical elements appear in the Pacific Northwest, such as imaginary river systems flowing to the Pacific. They reveal how limited knowledge, reports from explorers, and conjectures were reflected in cartography. Due to its rarity and wealth of detail, Vandermaelen's map is considered a significant artifact in the history of cartography and a mirror of contemporary geographical ideas.

Historical maps show traces of time and use, the intensity and nature of which vary depending on the map and its purpose. The print offered is a reproduction.

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