Old Chart of the World's Tallest Waterfalls by Smith, 1836: Handcoloured, Niagara, Gavarnie Falls, Staubbach

Step into the captivating world of 19th-century cartography with "A Comparative Picture of the Principal Waterfalls in the World," an exquisite creation by C Smith & Son from 1836. This thematic map, one of the earliest known comparative views of the world's waterfalls in color, offers a unique visual representation of some of the most magnificent natural wonders across the globe. The map's primary focus is on the heights and geographic distribution of these waterfalls, arranged strategically for easy comparison. From the towering "Cataract of Gavarny" in the Pyrenees to the "Last cataract of the Nile," this map provides a fascinating insight into the grandeur of these natural features.

The infographic style of this map is both informative and visually stunning, with each waterfall meticulously illustrated and labeled with its respective height. This artistic approach not only enhances the map's aesthetic appeal but also serves as an educational tool, allowing viewers to appreciate the relative scale of these waterfalls. The inclusion of detailed notes and remarks adds further context, offering additional information about each waterfall's unique characteristics and significance.

C Smith & Son, renowned for their detailed and artistic maps, have masterfully combined art and science in this creation. Their expertise in cartography is evident in the precision and clarity of the illustrations, making this map a valuable piece for both collectors and enthusiasts of natural history. The map's design reflects the 19th-century fascination with exploration and the natural world, capturing the imagination of viewers with its vivid depiction of these awe-inspiring waterfalls.

The map's geographic scope is impressive, covering waterfalls from Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Notable locations include the majestic falls of the Missouri and Niagara in the United States, the picturesque Staubbach in Switzerland, and the powerful Tequendama in Colombia. Each waterfall is depicted in a way that highlights its unique beauty and grandeur, offering a global perspective on these natural wonders.

This map is not just a visual delight but also a historical artifact that provides insight into the scientific and artistic endeavors of the 19th century. It serves as a testament to the era's dedication to understanding and documenting the natural world. Whether you are a collector, a history enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, "A Comparative Picture of the Principal Waterfalls in the World" is a remarkable piece that will add depth and elegance to any collection.

Places on this map

• Cataract of Gavarny (Pyrenees)
• Staubbach (Switzerland)
• Dunder Foss (Norway)
• Fall of Trolhätten (Sweden)
• Fall of the Tequendama (Colombia)
• Falls of the Missouri (USA)
• Fall of the River Montmorenci (Canada)
• Falls of the Rhine (Switzerland)
• Pisse Vache (Switzerland)
• Fall of the Clyde (Scotland)
• Waleh (Africa)
• Fall of the River Arve (France)
• Fall of the River Velino (Italy)
• Fall of the River Sigu (Africa)
• Fall of the River Foyers (Scotland)
• Fall of the River Garry (Scotland)
• Fall of the River Niagara (USA/Canada)
• Fall of the River Genesee (USA)
• Fall of the River Trenton (USA)
• Fall of the River Passaic (USA)
• Fall of the River Schuylkill (USA)
• Fall of the River Cohoes (USA)
• Fall of the River Mohawk (USA)
• Fall of the River Hudson (USA)
• Last cataract of the Nile (Egypt)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Heights of various waterfalls around the world.
• Geographic locations of these waterfalls.
• Detailed notes and remarks providing additional information about each waterfall.
• Artistic depiction enhancing visual appeal and educational value.
• Highlights the diversity and grandeur of natural landscapes.
• Reflects 19th-century interest in natural wonders and geographic exploration.
• Provides a visual tool for understanding the relative scale of waterfalls.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: A Comparative Picture of the Principal Waterfalls in the World
• Probably one of the earliest comparative views of the world's waterfalls in color.
• Waterfalls are strategically arranged for comparison from Europe and Africa to the Americas.
• The highest waterfall shown is the "Cataract of Gavarny (Pyrenees)".
• The lowest waterfall shown is the "Last cataract of the Nile".
• Includes remarks and notes for additional context.
• Date of creation: 1836
• Mapmaker/Publisher: C Smith & Son
• C Smith & Son were known for creating detailed and artistic maps and prints during the 19th century.
• Infographic thematic map with artistic illustrations.
• Colorful depiction for visual comparison.
• Detailed labeling of each waterfall with height measurements.
• Reflects 19th-century fascination with exploration and the natural world.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.