Moll, Herman
1699

First printed map focused on the Galapagos Islands (French ed.)

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Les Isles de Gallapagos Decouvertes par le Cap. Jean Eaton (The Gallapagos Islands Discovered by Capt. John Eaton)

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French language version of this scarce map of the Galapagos Islands which is the earliest printed map of the Galapagos. This small antique engraved map was based on a manuscipt map drawn by William Ambrosia Cowley. Cowley was sailing master of a pirate ship captained by John Eaton in 1684 when they made landfall at the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Cowley's narrative of the voyage- 'Cowley's Voyage Around the Globe' was published in English in the 'COLLECTION OF ORIGINAL VOYAGES' by William Hacke from London in 1699.

In Cowley's manuscript journal he recorded his first observations of the Galapagos:
"Then we came to an Anchor in a very good Harbour, lying toward the Northernmost end of a fine Island, under the Equinoctial Line: Here being great plenty of Provisions, as Fish, Sea and Land Tortoises, some of which weighed at least 200 Pound weight, which are excellent good Food. Here are also abundance of Fowls, viz. Flemingoes and Turtle Doves; the latter whereof were so tame, that they would often alight upon our Hats and Arms, so as that we could take them alive, they not fearing Man, until such time as some of our Company did fire at them, whereby they were rendered more shy." (Cowley, W.A., "Cowley's Voyage Around the Globe" Internet)

Cowley's Names of the Galapagos Islands from the English Edition
  • King Charles's Island
  • Crossman's Island
  • Brattles Island
  • Sir Anthony Dean's Island
  • Eure's Island
  • Dassigney's Island
  • Bindlos's Island
  • Duke of York's Island
  • Duke of Norfolk's Island
  • Duke of York's Island
  • Duke of Albemarle's Island
  • Sir John Narborough's
  • Cowley's enchanted Island
  • Earl of Abington's Island


Herman Moll (circa 1654-1732)



Herman Moll distinguished himself as an eminent cartographer, engraver, and publisher, gaining substantial recognition for his work during the latter part of the 17th and the early 18th centuries. Originally based in London, Moll began his profession as an engraver, producing work as early as the 1670s. It wasn't long before he expanded his repertoire to include cartography and map publishing, often collaborating with renowned cartographers and publishers of his time.

With the dawn of the 18th century, Moll's career took off. His cartographic portfolio was impressively varied, spanning maps of England and the British Isles, the American colonies, Africa, the entire world, and even the solar system. Among his most distinguished works are "The World Described," an anthology of 30 individual maps published in a variety of editions between 1715 and 1753, and the large-scale "Atlas Geographus," which was published in monthly installments from 1708 to 1717.

One of the characteristic traits of Moll's maps lies in their elaborate cartouches, or decorative map titles, and the comprehensive textual commentary they included. His maps often bore a reflection of Britain's geopolitical and colonial interests during that era, drawing attention to regions of significant commercial and strategic value.

Beyond his contributions as a cartographer, Moll also played an active role in the intellectual circles of early 18th-century London. He maintained associations with prominent individuals of his time, including the famed writer Jonathan Swift and the notorious pirate William Dampier.

CREATOR: Moll, Herman

PUBLICATION DATE: 1699

GEOGRAPHIC AREA: Ecuador

BODY OF WATER: Pacific Ocean

CONDITION: Good.  Top margin cropped short into title with small loss of the text. Narrow marin at left.

COLORING: Attractive hand coloring.

ENGRAVER: Moll

SIZE: 5 " x 6 "

ITEM PHYSICAL LOCATION: 0

PRICE: $

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