John Senex (1678–1740). A New Map of Asia from the latest Observations. 1721

John Senex (1678–1740)
A New Map of Asia from the latest Observations
London: John Senex, circa 1721
Hand-colored copperplate engraving
Sheet size: 23 ½ x 20 inches

This highly detailed and elegantly engraved map of Asia by John Senex, one of England’s most important early 18th-century cartographers, reflects the latest geographic knowledge of the time, drawn from a mix of classical sources, maritime exploration, and contemporary reports from the East India trade routes. Stretching from the Mediterranean and Arabia to China, Japan, the Philippines, and part of New Guinea, the map is both a political document and a visual record of global ambition.

Senex outlines the imperial territories of Persia, the Mogul Empire, China, and Tartary, and includes a speculative but clearly drawn “New Holland” (Australia) to the south, along with a tucked-in inset of the northern coast of Africa and Madagascar. The coastlines are precise and fully annotated with ports, islands, and sailing routes—hallmarks of Senex’s meticulous attention to navigation.

The ornate title cartouche, framed by allegorical figures representing Asia’s natural and cultural wealth, affirms the map's dual function as both scientific tool and symbol of imperial knowledge. Published at the height of British commercial expansion into Asia, this map exemplifies Senex’s contribution to establishing London as a major center of Enlightenment-era cartographic production.