Hand-Colored Antique Map of the Tribe of Reuben, James Wyld, 1823

This is an original antique copper engraved map with original hand coloring, published in 1823 as plate VII of James Wyld's Geographia Sacra, or Scripture Atlas. The title, engraved in a green panel at the lower right, reads "TRIBE of REUBEN".

The allotment of Reuben is washed in pink east of the Jordan and the Salt or Dead Sea, which run down the lower left of the sheet. Heshbon stands at the north edge of the territory, the River Arnon closes it on the south and east, and the mountains of Abarim and the Valley of Bamoth are drawn in close hachure. Gad lies to the north, washed in yellow, with Ramoth Gilead and the Jabbok at the top of the sheet. An explanation at the lower left keys royal cities, Levitical cities and cities of refuge. Above the title an engraved note reads "R. Jordan is deep and rapid about as wide as the Thames at Windsor; its Banks about 15 feet above the water; its ordinary depth about 12 feet." A scale of British Statute Miles sits under the title panel.

Under the lower left corner of the border is the credit "J. Wyld del.", under the lower right corner "G. Neele Sculp.", and centered between them the imprint "Publish'd by G. & W. B. Whittaker, 13 Ave Maria Lane, April, 1823." The plate number "VII." is engraved above the upper right corner of the border.

The map comes from Geographia Sacra, or Scripture Atlas, published in London in 1823 by G. and W. B. Whittaker, whose imprint runs along the lower margin. The engraved title page of the atlas names its author as Wyld "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. Handling soiling along the bottom, right and top edges. Scattered light foxing in the margin. All four corners are present.

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