1902 Pötsch Manuscript Zoological Wall Map of the World

This is a striking 1902 manuscript wall map illustrating global zoology by J. Pötsch. It is an illuminating example of Austrian didactic cartography at the height of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

A Closer Look

The map presents the world on a Mercator projection. It is drawn over black or dark brown paper with shite, blue and red inks. Various animals are placed, where possible, in the center of their respective ranges, while widely distributed animals are, however, inscribed in multiple locations. The whole is mounted in linen in four sections.

Publication History and Census

As a manuscript work this map is unique. We have not been able to trace 'J. Pötsch', though he was most likely an Austrian student, based in or around Vienna.