Lapie, Pierre. Carte de l'Amerique Meridionale. Paris, 1814. [South America]

Pierre Lapie

Carte de l'Amerique Meridionale

Paris, 1814

39 2/5" x 31 2/3"

This detailed map of South America by Pierre Lapie, one of the leading French cartographers of the early 19th century, reflects the geopolitical and geographic understanding of the continent at a time of significant change. Produced during the Napoleonic era, the map captures South America's political divisions, major cities, and geographic features on the cusp of independence movements that would soon reshape the continent's colonial landscape.

Lapie's work demonstrates the precision and clarity characteristic of French cartography during this period, with carefully rendered coastlines, river systems, and mountain ranges such as the Andes. The map underscores Europe's scientific interest in the natural and economic wealth of South America, particularly its vast mineral resources, agricultural potential, and strategic trade routes.

As a product of Enlightenment cartographic advancements, Carte de l'Amerique Meridionale serves as both a practical geographic reference and a historical document reflecting South America’s role in global trade and the political transformations of the early 19th century.