Antique Map of the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah, Hand-Colored, 1823

This is an original antique copper engraved map with original hand coloring, published in 1823 as plate XXIII of James Wyld's Geographia Sacra, or Scripture Atlas. The engraved title reads "KINGDOMS OF ISRAEL & JUDAH." The title is engraved at the upper left of the map, with a scale of British statute miles beneath it.

The land is drawn from Lebanon and Damascus at the top to Edom and the Amalekites at the bottom, with the "MEDITERRANEAN or GREAT SEA" along the left. The tribal territories are outlined in colored border washes, and the southern part around Jerusalem and Bethlehem is washed in pink. Samaria, Shechem, Jericho, Jerusalem and Bethlehem are all marked, the Jordan runs down to the Dead Sea, and Ammon, Moab and Rabbath are lettered beyond it on the east. A long engraved "NOTE" at the lower right recounts how ten of the tribes revolted under Rehoboam and how the two kingdoms were formed, naming Shechem, Tirzah and Samaria as capitals of the northern kingdom and Jerusalem as the capital of Judah.

Below the lower border the credit J. Wyld del. is engraved at the left and G. Neele Sculp. at the right, with the imprint between them: "Published by G. & W. B. Whittaker. 13. Ave Maria Lane, April 1823." The plate number is engraved as XXIII. in the upper right.

The atlas was published by G. and W. B. Whittaker in London, and its engraved title page names Wyld as "of the Quarter Master General's Office, Horse Guards". James Wyld the elder (1790 to 1836) was a London geographer and map publisher.

Light uneven toning, browner toward the edges. Marked handling soiling along the bottom, right and top edges. Scattered light foxing in the margin. Slight wear at the bottom left corner.

This is an original antique map, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed.