"A New Map of Bohemia and Moravia, from the Latest Authorities" is a prominent historical map engraved and published by the celebrated English cartographer John Cary on 21 December 1801. The map provides a detailed geographic overview of the historic Czech lands—covering territory that aligns with the modern-day Czech Republic.
The piece represents a departure from highly decorative 18th-century map making. Cary prioritised precision, clean lettering, and technical accuracy. It utilizes delicate hachures to represent topography and hill shading.
The map features striking hand-applied outline wash coloring to differentiate administrative circles and regional boundaries within the kingdoms.
Reflecting the geopolitical context of the Holy Roman Empire during the Napoleonic era, the map primarily utilizes German names for cities, towns, and landmarks (e.g., Prag for Prague), many of which are archaic today. It captures the complete river networks, roads, post-stages, forests, and fortified settlements across Bohemia, Moravia, and parts of Austrian Silesia.
John Cary (1755–1835), was a prominent British cartographer and engraver. He published a wide range of highly accurate copper-engraved maps that became industry standards for their clean, un-ornamented style. These 1804 editions were largely prepared for his comprehensive New Universal Atlas, which was eventually issued in full in 1808.
Cary served his apprenticeship as an engraver in London, before setting up his own business in the Strand in 1783. He soon gained a reputation for his maps and globes. He published 'The New and Correct English Atlas' in 1787, which soon became a standard reference work in England.
In 1794 Cary was commissioned by the Postmaster General to survey England's roads. This resulted in Cary's 'New Itinerary', published in 1798, containing maps of all the major roads in England and Wales. He also produced Ordnance Survey maps prior to 1805.
Cary's New Universal Atlas, is a landmark of early 19th-century map making. It represented a shift from the decorative, artistic maps of the 18th century toward a more modern, scientific approach prioritising clarity, accuracy, and meticulous detail.
The 1808 edition featured 56 hand-coloured, engraved maps covering all major states and kingdoms worldwide, including highly detailed maps of England and Wales.
Cary replaced the "quaintness and charm" of older maps with a scientific rationality, using the latest surveying techniques to establish a standard that later influenced the Ordnance Survey.
The atlas was so popular it was reissued at least seven times over the next 30 years.
