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A Remarkable Pictorial Celebration of the Sea

Rare pictorial map of the world on an eliptical project produced by Edward A. Turpin in 1935.

The present example is finished with hand-coloring and additional stencil or screen print coloring in gold and silver ink.  The two other known examples are uncolored (NY Historical Society and David Rumsey Collection).

Turpin's map is a striking visual narrative that intertwines maritime history, meteorology, and myth into a single, intricately illustrated map. Designed as both an artistic masterpiece and an historical resource, it presents a wealth of information about famous ships, legendary voyages, lost treasures, and the forces of nature that have shaped naval exploration. The map's detailed annotations and elaborate illustrations transport viewers into the world of seafarers, where courage, discovery, and peril defined human interaction with the oceans.

The central focus of the map is a dramatic, almost three-dimensional projection of the world, featuring major continents and oceans while emphasizing maritime routes and historical events. The names and paths of renowned vessels—ranging from Leif Erikson’s Vinland expedition to the ill-fated Endurance of Ernest Shackleton and exploits of Roald Amundsen —are meticulously documented, accompanied by text detailing their significance. This wealth of information extends beyond Western maritime history, incorporating Asian junks, Polynesian voyaging canoes, and other seafaring traditions. The inclusion of shipwrecks and battles further highlights the unpredictable and often tragic nature of naval exploration, reinforcing the high risks faced by those who ventured into the unknown.

Beyond its historical accounts, the map also serves as a meteorological chart, depicting ocean currents, prevailing winds, and regions prone to cyclones. The celestial bodies—illustrated with a stylized sun and moon—add a navigational component, a nod to the methods used by sailors to traverse the seas long before the advent of modern instruments. The Antarctic region is prominently featured, reflecting early 20th-century interest in polar exploration, as well as the extreme conditions faced by maritime expeditions in the southernmost latitudes.

Framing the map is an ornate border teeming with allegorical and mythical elements. Mermaids, sea serpents, and storm gods inhabit the periphery, recalling the superstitions and legends that accompanied sailors throughout history. These decorative motifs enhance the map’s aesthetic appeal while reinforcing the sense of mystery and adventure associated with the sea. The title cartouche, designed in an elaborate scrollwork style, further contributes to the map’s overall visual richness, drawing the viewer into its wealth of stories.

Turpin’s work is not merely a cartographic representation of the world but a celebration of maritime history and the indomitable human spirit of exploration. By blending geography, art, and historical narrative, the map captures the drama, triumphs, and tragedies of seafaring in a way that is both visually compelling and intellectually enriching. It stands as a testament to the enduring fascination with the sea, making it a valuable artifact for historians, collectors, and anyone captivated by the romance of the ocean.

Rarity

OCLC locates 1 example (New York Historical Society).  We note that the map is also in the David Rumsey Collection.