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Exceptionally Detailed Set of Maps of Philippines
“The Largest Map Ever Published of the Archipelago”—Quirino
Philippines/ Set of Three Maps.
COELLO, Francisco Lt. Col. [Madrid, 1849-52]
Atlas De Espana y sus Posesiones De Ultramar, Por D. Francisco Eoello, Teniente corouel, capitan de Jngenieros.
30 ½ x 41 ¾ inches
Set of three separately bound, folding maps.
Each map is also individually titled as follows:
1. Islas Filipinas. Primera Joja Central.
2. Islas Filipinas. Segunda Hoja Central.
3. Posesiones De Oceania Islas Filipinas.
Three lithographed maps with original outline color in original paper-covered boards; early ms. notations on two front covers, some scuffing; maps with some reinforced folds, slight staining, still overall excellent of this type.
Scarce. A remarkable set of three, separately bound, folding maps, which provide fine topographic and hydrographic detail as well as highly detailed insets of important areas, including a separate, inset map of Manila and surroundings. We here quote in full Quirino’s account of this outstanding cartographic achievement:
In 1849, Francisco Coello, a lieutenant colonel in the Spanish corps of engineers, published the first of three sheets on the Philippines on a scale of 1:1,000,000. The other two appeared in 1850 and 1852, and are part of a map series called “Ultramar Posesiones.” Each sheet measured about 30 by 42 inches, and together form the largest map ever published of the archipelago. Its preparation is credited to Antionio Morata and the historical information written on its face to Pascual Madox. While the topographical data are of doubtful accuracy, according to a later authority, the lengthy report on the natural conditions, resources, inhabitants, industries commerce, and political and religious subdivisions of the islands is both instructive and interesting. Undoubtedly, Coello was imitating the style earlier followed by Murillo Velarde in including detailed information about the islands (p. 64).
Qurino, C. Philippine Cartography, pp. 64, 110, 111. |
