Sign In

- Or use -
Forgot Password Create Account
Description

Fine old color example of Tirion's map of French Guiana, with a large inset map of Cayenne.

The map, whose title translates to "Land Map of the Island and the Plantation of Cayenne on the Coast of South America," is drawn with an impressive level of detail, showing the care taken by the mapmaker. Of particular interest is the representation of many plantations, pointing to the agricultural nature of the region's economy. This was a time when the local economy heavily relied on plantations growing cash crops such as sugar and coffee, usually worked by enslaved laborers.

In addition to the main map, there's a detailed inset plan of the town and castle of Cayenne. This plan is carefully drawn, highlighting the town's layout and the castle's placement, which points to its defensive role.

Isaak Tirion Biography

Isaak Tirion was a prominent Dutch publisher based in Amsterdam in the eighteenth century. He is best known for historical works that included prints showing scenes from around the world. He also produced maps, such as those in the Nieuwe Hand-Atlas of 1744.