Matthei Seutteri S.C.M.G. Augustan 1725

Item Description & Report

Item: Framed Reproduction Map of Colonial North America
Title: Carte de la Louisiane et du cours du Mississipi
Original Date: Circa 1720–1725
Attribution: Based on design, likely after Guillaume de L’Isle, a prominent French cartographer
Medium: Printed reproduction on smooth, cardstock-like paper
Size: Approximately 22" x 19" (framed)
Condition: Good – no visible tears or water damage; frame is intact; color remains vibrant
Markings: Decorative title cartouche in lower right, consistent with period maps of the early 18th century
Reproduction Date: Most likely 1960s–1990s based on materials and printing quality

Historical Context

The map depicted is a famous and widely reproduced historical map by Guillaume de L’Isle, first published around 1718–1725. This map was one of the first to accurately depict the Mississippi River, the Great Lakes, and French Louisiana territory, and it was foundational in shaping European understanding of North American geography in the 18th century.

Originals of this map are rare and highly collectible, often housed in museums or sold at major auctions.

Current Value Estimate

Because this is a modern reproduction (based on the flat print, paper texture, and framing), it is decorative rather than collectible in the historical sense. However, these reproductions can still have aesthetic and educational value.

• Decorative Value: $50–$150 depending on condition, framing quality, and buyer interest
• Collectibility: Low (as a reproduction)
• Sentimental/Educational Value: High for display, historical education, or decor in themed rooms

Recommendations

• Professional Appraisal: Not required unless you're uncertain of the print's origin (e.g., if it's older than you think or printed with a specialized technique such as lithography or engraving). If you suspect it may be an earlier 19th-century lithograph or limited edition, consider consulting a map dealer or auction house.
• Preservation: Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fading; UV-protected glass is helpful.

If you'd like help identifying whether your map was printed using a special historical process (like photogravure or lithography), close-ups of the surface under light can help—especially if there’s any dot matrix pattern, plate embossing, or publisher mark.