1844 Missionary Double Hemisphere Pictorial Map of the World

This is an early edition of a missionary map published by the Basel Evangelical Mission (Der evangelischen Missions-Anstalt Basel) in Switzerland. It illustrates the Mission's ongoing struggle to convert the world - believed to be a prerequisite for the Second Coming. A striking allegorical surround illustrates the unconverted peoples of the world, perhaps with the intention if inspiring future missionaries with wonder at the exoticism.

A Closer Look

The world is here divided into three distinct spheres: Christian areas (white), the Islamic World (Arabien; gray), and areas still unexposed to the gospel of Jesus Christ (black). The surrounding oceans rendered in a contrasting blue' The geography is not only indicative of the time in which the map was produced - with era-specific labels such as New Holland and Greater India maintained - but it is also clearly a map that focuses on its fundamental message: see the darkness that must be expelled by light.

Allegorical Surround

The most impressive element is the semi-allegorical illustrations surrounding map. While the map's message is unequivocal, these images are meant to engage viewers' imagination and emotions. Moving clockwise from the upper left, we find a depiction of Native Americans adorned with the attire, weaponry, and wigwams that European audiences had come to expect. In the upper right, we find the Chinese Emperor enthroned wearing magnificent silken robes, flanked by courtiers. Below, as below the Native American scene, is an artistic composition of exotic weapons and shields forming a heraldic vignette.

In the lower right, we see the Indian Maharajah in a splendid four-person litter followed by a regally draped elephant. In the center of the bottom panel is a disturbing image of a shackled African whose face expresses the unimaginable fear and confusion associated with his condition. And finally, in the lower left corner, we see a scene representing the wild peoples of the Polar regions, seemingly represented by Sami or Siberian peoples. Floating above it all is an ornate title cartouche, under which is depicted a radiant book with the Biblical call to mission:

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.'Matthew 28:18-20

Publication History and Census

This map was lithographed in Schaffhausn, a Swiss town due north of Zürich by H. Bäschlin for Der evangelischen Missions-Anstalt Basel. It was issued in multiple states for over fifty years, all in German. Our map and the associated booklet date to 1844; newer editions were printed well into the 1890s. Our example maintains its original linen backing and, unlike most later editions, folds into a bound case that includes a 29-page description of the map in German (printed in Gothic lettering). Scarce, particularly in early states.