Persia & Arabia (Map of the Middle East)
Cartographic print on paper • Likely published by Joseph Hutchins Colton (J.H. Colton) or Samuel Augustus Mitchell
Style & Movement
Mid-19th Century American Cartography
Medium & Technique
Steel plate engraving with hand-colored decorative outlines and regional washes
Creation Period
Circa 1850-1865
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 15 inches; landscape format
Subject Description
A detailed map showing the territories of Persia (modern Iran), Arabia, and parts of Afghanistan and Beloochistan. The map features topographic details, bodies of water like the Persian Gulf and Red Sea, and geopolitical boundaries delineated by vibrant hand-applied colors. It serves as both a scientific document of the era and a colonial-era narrative piece.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; shows consistent aging and paper oxidation (toning)
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $350 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a nineteenth-century world atlas (such as Colton's General Atlas); private collection history common for such prints.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the 'Golden Age' of American map publishing when detailed steel engraving replaced copper. It is historically significant for documenting Western geographic knowledge of the Middle East during the nineteenth century prior to the modern re-drawing of borders.
Notable Features
Distinctive decorative border characteristic of Colton or Mitchell publications; finely executed typography and intricate 'hachured' mountains; hand-colored red, yellow, and green washes.
Condition Issues
Visible yellowing/browning of the paper (toning) due to acidity, slight foxing spots consistent with age, and minor edge wear.
Conservation Recommendations
Mount using acid-free, archival materials and UV-protective glass. Keep away from direct sunlight and high humidity to prevent further foxing.