Persia, Arabia &c.
Modern reproduction print of a 19th-century cartographic map • Originally published by Samuel Augustus Mitchell (or related firm Mitchell & Son); this specific version is an unattributed modern facsimile.
Style & Movement
Mid-19th Century American Cartography
Medium & Technique
Digital ink-jet or offset lithographic printing on contemporary heavy-weight white paper; original would have been steel engraved with hand-coloring.
Creation Period
Original cartography circa 1850s-1860s; physical item is a contemporary 21st-century reproduction.
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 11 x 14 inches or 18 x 24 inches; landscape orientation with wide white decorative borders.
Subject Description
A map of the Middle East, including the Arabian Peninsula, Persia (modern-day Iran), and parts of Afghanistan and Beloochistan. Features political boundaries highlighted in red, yellow, and blue, with topographical details like 'The Great Arabian Desert' and 'Shifting Sands'.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the item appears to be a brand-new commercial print with no signs of aging, oxidation, or foxing.
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $30.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD (typically sold as decorative lots, not fine art)
Provenance History
Likely purchased from an online historical map retailer or museum gift shop; no significant ownership history.
Art Historical Significance
The original S.A. Mitchell maps were significant for their accuracy and distinctive floral borders (though the border is stylized here). As a reproduction, its value is purely decorative rather than historical.
Notable Features
Includes a scale of miles and detailed hachuring for mountain ranges; the modern paper margin contains sharp, clean edges unlike a hand-trimmed antique map.
Condition Issues
None visible; the paper is bright white and lacks the natural patina of mid-19th-century rag paper.
Conservation Recommendations
No special conservation required. Framing with UV-protective glass will prevent the digital inks from fading over time.