Africa
PrinterPrinted by
Bingham & Kelly
(American, 1857 - 1859)
PublisherPublished by
O. D. Case
(American, 1826 - 1903)
Date1857
MediumLithography; black printer's ink and watercolor on paper, lined with linen
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 22 5/8 x 27 1/4in. (57.5 x 69.2cm)
Sheet (height x width): 24 5/8 x 28 7/8in. (62.5 x 73.3cm)
Mount (height x width): 25 x 29 1/4in. (63.5 x 74.3cm)
ClassificationsGraphics
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Object number1972.36.55.8
DescriptionOutline map of Africa, with countries divided by broken solid and dotted lines. They are numbered instead of labeled. There are also smaller numbers and circles that correspond with a key published separately from the map. Natural features include elevation, depicted with hachure marks; deserts, depicted with clusters of dots; rivers and islands.
Label TextThis map of Africa shows significant changes from the an earlier version issued by Mitchell in 1841, especially in the subdivisions of southern Africa. The text that accompanied the 1857 series of maps is far more extensive that than which appeared in the 1840s. The Dred Scott Decision took place in 1857, and this may account the more prominent role that slavery plays in the later text. Liberia is noted as the home of "emancipated and free negroes;" Sierra Leone is said to have been founded "for the purpose of putting a stop to the slave trade and civilizing Africa;" and Upper Guinea is described as having "a very large trade in slaves, gold-dust, and ivory."
NotesCartographic Note: Scale: About one inch equals 200 milesConstituent Note: Mitchell's Series of Outline Maps were first issued in 1841 by Mather, Case, Tiffany & Burnham of Hartford, Connecticut and Augustus Mitchell of Philladelphia.. In 1857, the maps were updated and resissued. This time the printing was done by a new lithography firm, Bingham & Kelly and the maps and the accompanying key were published by O.D. Case & Co., both in Hartford.
Status
Not on view
