Bowen's Map of the Americas

Bowen’s New General Map of America appeared in a number of publications, and features widely held cartographic misconceptions of the time, such as ‘the supposed Straits of Annian’. 

Further to the northwest, in ‘Parts Undiscovered’, even speculation ceases. 

Born in Wales c.1693, Emanuel Bowen was an important British cartographer and engraver to both George II and Louis XV. He produced some of the most decorative eighteenth century English maps. 

In spite of his royal appointments, in 1767 he died in poverty: "reduced through family extravagances, and almost blind through age.” He was a Freemason and a Baptist and is buried at Bunhill Fields, a London cemetery for dissenters.

Condition & Materials
Copper engraving, printed area measurement 35.5 x 43.5 cm. Modern hand-colour, margin extended bottom right where the map was tabbed into a book, blank verso.

References
Gough, British Topography