A Pictorial Map of the New England States

An eye-catching celebration of New England wildlife, architecture, and history by the talented Ernest Dudley Chase.

This densely packed pictorial map of New England was designed and published in Winchester, Massachusetts by Ernest Dudley Chase in 1939. Born, raised, and professionally operating, Chase’s fondness for his home region is evident in the tremendous compilation of labeled vignettes. The vast majority of imagery is dedicated to the architectural diversity across New England. State houses for Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts can be seen on the borders.

Historic homes, public buildings, educational institutions, and major industries are among the dozens of structures pictured within the borders and negative space. Geographic features, recreational activities, and wildlife are also shown. The area’s maritime history is reflected in numerous lighthouses and various ships like the S.S. Champlain and the Gazelle (plus the decorative title cartouche).

Ernest Dudley Chase (1878-1966) was born in Boston and began his career crafting greeting cards before finding his artistic niche in the 1930s with intricately detailed pictorial maps. Self-published from his home studio, Chase’s maps, exceeding 50 in total, captured diverse locations and themes, ranging from historical events to technological advancements. He meticulously hand-drawn each scene, imbuing his maps with a unique blend of scholarly detail, wit, and patriotism. Though commercially successful in their time, Chase’s maps are now prized by collectors and scholars for their distinctive style and whimsical take on cartography.