North America | Map | 1831

The "Carte de l'Amérique Septentrionale" by Philippe Vandermaelen is an impressive cartographic work from 1831. With its remarkable original dimensions of 142 cm in width and 112 cm in height, 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 phase of intense exploration and transformation. Particularly striking are the detailed representations of river systems, especially in the western part of the continent: rivers such as the Mississippi and Missouri, with their numerous tributaries, illustrate the central role of waterways for trade, exploration, and early settlements.
An important focus is the depiction of indigenous peoples. The map marks the locations of numerous indigenous tribes and offers 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 leading 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 reflection of contemporary geographical perceptions.

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

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