Rare Old World Map Shipping & Trade by Du Val, 1677: West Indies & East Indies, Island of California, Mythical Antarctica,

Introducing the "Carte universelle du commerce," a masterful creation by the esteemed French geographer Pierre Du Val in 1677. This map, a second edition following its initial release in 1674, is a testament to the rich cartographic tradition of the 17th century. Du Val, a prolific author and the nephew of the renowned Nicolas Sanson, crafted this map with the specific intent to aid traders and navigators. It meticulously charts the trade routes to and from the East Indies and the West Indies, offering a fascinating glimpse into the commercial lifelines of the era.

The "Carte universelle du commerce" is not merely a navigational tool but a window into the geographical understanding and misconceptions of the mid-17th century. It boldly depicts California as an island and includes the mythical Jessa's land stretching towards America. These geographical errors are emblematic of the period's exploratory spirit and the evolving knowledge of the world's vast expanse. The map also features a mythical representation of Antarctica, whimsically named "Land of the parrots," with kingdoms like Psitac, Beach, Lucac, and Maletur, names intriguingly derived from Marco Polo's accounts.

The design and style of this map are as captivating as its content. Du Val's inclusion of four meticulously illustrated ships adds a dynamic and adventurous element, symbolizing the era's seafaring exploits. The map's cartographic projection and the intricate detailing of trade routes underscore its practical use for navigation. The seas and oceans are elegantly labeled, from the Mer Pacifique to the Mer de Tartarie, guiding the viewer through the world's vast maritime pathways.

Each region and continent is rendered with a blend of accuracy and imaginative flair, reflecting the period's blend of empirical knowledge and myth. Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas are all prominently featured, alongside the fantastical lands of Grande Tartarie and the mythical kingdoms in Antarctica. This juxtaposition of the known and the unknown offers a rich narrative of discovery and speculation, capturing the essence of 17th-century cartography.

Historically, the "Carte universelle du commerce" is a significant artifact that encapsulates the commercial and navigational priorities of its time. It serves as a historical document that reveals the trade dynamics, geopolitical landscapes, and the adventurous spirit of an era driven by exploration and commerce. Owning this map is akin to holding a piece of history, a beautifully crafted testament to the age of discovery and the enduring quest to chart the unknown.

Countries and regions on this map

• Continents:
• Europe
• Asia
• Africa
• America (North and South)
• Antarctica (mythical representation)
• Regions:
• Grande Tartarie (Great Tartary)
• Perse (Persia)
• Chine (China)
• Indes (Indies)
• Arabie (Arabia)
• Afrique (Africa)
• Amérique Septentrionale (North America)
• Amérique Meridionale (South America)
• Nouvelle France (New France)
• Jessa's land (mythical)
• Terre de Iesso (mythical land stretching to America)
• Terre de Psitac, Beach, Lucac, and Maletur (mythical kingdoms in Antarctica)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset maps or additional illustrations:
• Illustrations of four ships.
• Bodies of water:
• Mer Pacifique (Pacific Ocean)
• Mer de Sud (South Sea)
• Mer du Nord (North Sea)
• Mer de Tartarie (Sea of Tartary)
• Mer des Indes (Indian Ocean)
• Ocean Septentrional (Northern Ocean)
• Ocean Meridional (Southern Ocean)
• Mer Magellanique (Magellanic Sea)
• Mer de Noir (Black Sea)
• Sea, road, and rail routes:
• Trade routes to and from the East Indies and West Indies.
• Other interesting features:
• Mythical land called "Land of the parrots" in Antarctica.
• Kingdoms of Psitac, Beach, Lucac, and Maletur in the mythical land.

Historical and design context

• Mapmaker or publisher: Pierre Du Val, a French geographer born in Abbeville in 1618, who was also the nephew of Nicolas Sanson. Du Val was a prolific author known for publishing many small atlases.
• Edition: Second edition, with the first edition in 1674 and the third edition in 1686.
• Themes and topics:
• Trade routes: The map shows trade routes to and from the East Indies (South-East Asia) and the West Indies (West Indies).
• Navigation: Designed for traders and navigators, highlighting the routes for navigation.
• Geographical errors: Reflects the geographical understanding of the mid-17th century, such as California depicted as an island and Jessa's land stretching to America.
• Mythical lands: Includes a mythical representation of Antarctica, called "Land of the parrots," with kingdoms like Psitac, Beach, Lucac, and Maletur, names intriguingly derived from Marco Polo's accounts.
• Design and style:
• Ships: Contains illustrations of four ships.
• Geographical representation: The world is depicted with the geographical knowledge and errors of the time.
• Historical significance:
• Trade and navigation: Important for understanding the trade routes and navigation practices of the 17th century.
• Geographical knowledge: Illustrates the geographical misconceptions and mythical lands believed to exist during that period.

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 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

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.

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.

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

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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.

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.