Polar-Karte

Defining the known and unknown of the Northern Hemisphere in the early 1830s.

This engaging map focused on the Arctic Circle and surrounding territories was originally issued in 1832 as part of Adolf Stieler’s influential work, the Hand-Atlas. It seems as though geopolitical information takes the back seat to the presentation of place names and geographic features within the upper latitudes. Scores of toponyms and incomplete coastlines reflect over two centuries of efforts to locate a Northwest (or Northeast) passage between Europe and Asia. In particular, the image incorporates the discoveries made by the several voyages of British naval captain Edward Parry between 1818 and 1827. He was knighted in 1829 for his heroic efforts to chart the Arctic.