CHICAGO (August 28, 2007) - Four seminal antiquarian maps that celebrate art, scientific achievement and exploration were presented to the Newberry Library by The Boeing Company, enriching what is already one of the premier collections of cartography in the world.
"We are so pleased that Boeing chose the Newberry Library as the new home for these historically important and visually stunning eighteenth-century maps," said Robert Karrow, curator of special collections and curator of maps at the Newberry Library. "Because of their large size and vulnerability to damage from handling and exposure, wall maps are very uncommon, especially in good condition. These are splendid examples."
The four maps were originally on display at the Boeing Corporate Offices in Chicago as part of The Boeing Collection of art. The maps were the earliest works in the Collection and were chosen by the company for their representations of science, humanity and exploration during a period of time when science was first applied to travel. Taken together, these maps vividly display the foundations of science, knowledge and travel upon which has been built today's modern social structures of economy, transportation and exploration.
"These maps are both history and art--through them we are able to learn about our world as it was represented hundreds of years ago as well as enjoy their intricacy and beauty," said Nora Moreno Cargie, director, Boeing Chicago Global Corporate Citizenship. "Boeing is pleased to partner with the Newberry to make them available to the public, and we look forward to when they will be on view in the library this fall."
Details about the Wall Maps
Mappa-Mondo o uero Carta Generale Della Terra Divisa in Due Planisferi, ...Paolo Petrini, c. 1700. One of two known examples of this map, the other being badly damaged and incomplete. Issued as a celebration of the successes of the Paris Observatory and the Royal Academy, the map and its surrounding illustrations commemorate man's complete knowledge of the then-known universe- the seasons, the winds, night and day, and the planets.
L'Amerique divisee selon de ses principales parties, Nicolas DeFer, Paris 1717. Originally published in 1698, this map of North and South America includes a number of decorative portraits and vignettes, including a depiction of the cod fishery in Newfoundland.and the first appearance on a map of beavers at work.
L'Afrique divisee selon letendue de ses principales parties, Nicolas DeFer, Paris, 1730. The Dutch master Herman von Loon engraved this stunning wall map of Africa. Vignettes of indigenous African peoples surround the map as well as depictions of both land and sea animals, the Pyramids, and the source of the Nile.
L'Asiae divisee selon letendue de ses principales parties, Nicolas DeFer, Paris, 1730. This magnificent wall map of Asia was also engraved by van Loon. The map has many insets and is entirely surrounded by beautifully engraved vignettes depicting the local peoples and customs of various regions.
ABOUT THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY
The Newberry Library, a preeminent humanities research and reference institution, is home to a world-class collection of books, manuscripts, maps, music, and other printed materials related to the history and culture of Western Europe and the Americas. The collections span many centuries and feature items such as illuminated medieval manuscripts, rare early maps, rich genealogical resources, and the personal papers of Midwest authors. The Newberry offers exhibits based on its collections, musical and theatrical performances, lectures and discussions with today's leading humanists, seminars and workshops, and teacher programs. Visit www.newberry.org to learn more.