«An antique map of the county of Devonshire» This hand-coloured map is from the John Seller’s “Anglia Contracta”. In 1695 John Seller published a county atlas titled Anglia Contracta. The plates were much later acquired by Francis Grose, revised, and used in a supplement to his partwork on British antiquities. The supplement with maps was first published in 1787, and ran to several later editions. Modern colour, with descriptive text below and to verso. John Seller (1632-97)
Thought to be one of six men found guilty of treason at the Old Bailey of whom four were executed. Pardoned and released he later received official favour becoming Hydrographer to Charles II in 1671, later to James II and Queen Anne. Although also known as a maker of mathematical instruments and globes he was primarily a publisher of marine and terrestrial atlases and his output was considerable and wide ranging. His principal work was the English Pilot based on Dutch charts, but he only completed the first volume. As a draughtsman he worked with Philip Lea on his revised Saxton Atlas of 1689 and it was to Lea he sold his few folio county maps when he abandoned his Atlas Anglicanus. After a break of sixty years Francis Grose (c.1731-91) re-issued the maps in his Antiquities including a short text and list of the most important sites, added below the map and also verso. Dimensions 15,5 cm x 21,5 cm  Artist of Maker John Seller Medium Hand-coloured engraving Date 1787 Condition Report This work is in very good to excellent condition overall. Please review the images carefully for condition and contact us with any questions. This item is professionally protected by handmade packing. The Certificate of Authenticity is included.