A New Map of the Kingdoms of Spain and Portugal with Their Principal Divisions
Cartographer / Artist: Robert Laurie & James Whittle
Date Created: c. 1794
Medium: Engraving with hand coloring
Physical Dimensions: 23.5 × 20.0 inches
Geographic Scope: Spain, Portugal, Iberian Peninsula
Archive Catalog ID: fp8-img-2195
Provenance: The Dr. Joseph R. Rubini Archive
Collection: 17th–19th Century French & Iberian Surveys
This late 18th-century copperplate engraved map offers a comprehensive view of the Iberian Peninsula, encompassing the kingdoms of Spain and Portugal along with the Balearic Islands. Published by the prominent London firm Laurie & Whittle in 1794, the map meticulously delineates historical regions and provinces including Galicia, Asturias, Biscay, Navarre, Aragon, Catalonia, Valencia, Murcia, Granada, Andalusia, Estremadura, and the Castiles, alongside the regional divisions of Portugal. The map features fine topographical details showing mountain chains, river systems, coastal harbors, and major urban centers. Beyond the Iberian mainland, the map extends to depict parts of southern France (Gascony, Languedoc, and Provence) across the Pyrenees, as well as the northern coast of Africa across the Strait of Gibraltar. An elegant decorative text cartouche in the lower right corner provides an explanatory key outlining the administrative breakdown of the Spanish provinces under the Crowns of Castile and Aragon. The lower left corner contains multiple scale bars accommodating various regional units of measurement, including Spanish Travelling Leagues, Legal Leagues of Gaul, Geographical Leagues, and British Miles.
Condition: Light age toning along the outer margins and light centerfold creasing as issued.. Original hand coloring remains bright and well-preserved across all regional boundaries.. Faint archival pencil annotations in the far right blank margin outside the neatline.




