13 John Tallis (1817–1876) & John Rapkin – Map of the Black Sea – Russia, Turkey, Bulgaria & Crimea – Engraving (1850)

This highly decorative map of the Black Sea was drawn and engraved by John Rapkin for The Illustrated Atlas and Modern History of the World by Montgomery Martin, and published by John Tallis & Company around 1850. The map details the Black Sea region, encompassing parts of Russia, Turkey, Georgia, Bulgaria, and surrounding territories, with borders delicately highlighted. It is framed with ornamental scrollwork and features finely engraved vignette views of Odessa, Sinope, Constantinople, Sebastopol, and Varna — scenes that add both narrative and artistic value.

This edition is from the sought-after Montgomery Martin version, considered one of the finest in 19th-century cartographic publishing. Printed on heavy-grade paper and centered with a vertical fold, the map reflects both topographic accuracy and visual grandeur.

John Tallis is regarded as one of the last great producers of decorative maps. Active from the 1840s through the early 1850s, his collaborations with engraver John Rapkin elevated cartographic illustration to a form of visual storytelling. Rapkin’s vignettes, inspired by travel literature, helped transform geographical prints into works of art.

Artist or Maker:

John Tallis (Publisher), John Rapkin (Cartographer & Engraver)

Dimensions:

28 cm x 36 cm

Medium:

Engraving

Date:

1850

Condition Report:

This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.