Map: Tallis John, Independent Tartary c1851

Date: 1851

Artist and Engraver: J. Rapkin

Illustrations: W. Bragg

Engraver: J. Rogers

Image Size: 270 x 350mms

Condition: very good

Technique: steel engraving, original antique uncoloured

Price: $350

Description: 

This is a highly decorative 1851 map of Independent Tartary by John Tallis and John Rapkin. It covers the regions between the Caspian Sea and Lake Bakquash and between Russia and Afghanistan. These include the ancient Silk Route kingdoms of Khiva, Tartaria, Kokand, and Bokhara. Today this region roughly includes Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. This wonderful map offers a wealth of detail for anyone with an interest in the Central Asian portion of the ancient Silk Road. Identifies various caravan routes, deserts, wells, and stopping points, including the cities of Bokhara and Samarkand. Three vignettes by W. Bragg decorate the map, these including an image of Tartars on a Journey, a horseback Bride Chase, and a tartar campsite. Surrounded by a vine motif border. Engraved by J. Rapkin for John Tallis's 1851 Illustrated Atlas.

Biography:

CARTOGRAPHER

John Tallis and Company published views, maps and Atlases in London from roughly 1838 to 1851. The principal works, expanding upon the earlier works of Cary and Arrowsmith, include an 1838 collection of London Street Views and the 1849 Illustrated Atlas of the World. His principal engraver was John Rapkin, whose name and decorative vignettes appear on most Tallis & Co. maps. Due to the decorative style of Rapkin's work, many regard Tallis maps as the last bastion of English decorative cartography in the 19th century. Though most Tallis maps were originally issued uncolored, it was not uncommon for 19th century libraries to commission colorists to "complete" the atlas. The London Printing and publishing Company of London and New York bought the rights for many Tallis maps in 1850 and continued Publishing his Illustrated Atlas of the World until the mid 1850s. Specific Tallis maps later appeared in innumerable mid to late 19th century publications as illustrations and appendices.

SOURCE

Tallis, J., The Illustrated Atlas, And Modern History Of The World Geographical, Political, Commercial & Statistical, 1851.