One of the most decorative maps of Australia

A rare map of Australia and New Guinea, from the 'Nuovo Atlante Geografico Universale'. The emphasis of the map is the charting of Captain Cook down the east coast: most of the marked features are those named by Cook and his crew between the Torres Strait and Tasmania, which is shown as part of the mainland. The title is within a decorative title cartouche with two aboriginies, one of whom strangely carries a bow. Cassini unwisely created a luxury atlas, with decorative title cartouches and expensive paper, when the trend was for more scientific and affordable maps. Thus the 'Nuovo Atlante Geografico Universale' was not a commercial success and few were sold, making the maps scarce.