Antique Ontario Map Wall Art – Lake Superior & Northern Ontario, ca.1888

Reference

BG-12794-75

Date

1888

Region

Americas

Category

Antique Map

Sheet size

27.5 x 35.7 cm (10.8 x 14.1 in)

Condition

Good

Availability

Available

Price

EUR 280

Title: Antique Ontario Map Wall Art – Lake Superior & Northern Ontario, Rand McNally

This original antique atlas map depicts Ontario with a strong focus on Lake Superior, Lake Nipigon, and the vast northern interior of the province. Rendered with the clarity and precision Rand, McNally & Co. were known for, the map presents coastlines, river systems, portages, settlements, and early transportation routes across what was then a sparsely populated but strategically important region.

Lake Superior dominates the composition with dramatic engraved shoreline shading, while surrounding areas show places such as Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay (Fort William / Port Arthur), Lake Nipigon, and routes extending toward Hudson Bay. The careful balance between open space and dense coastal detail gives the map a calm, graphic quality that works exceptionally well as wall art.

Originally published in a late-19th-century Rand McNally atlas, this sheet was intended for reference but now reads as a refined decorative object. The restrained palette, fine linework, and generous margins make it particularly attractive for interiors focused on travel, exploration, or North American history.

Printed on original atlas paper, the surface shows authentic age toning and texture, offering the warmth and presence collectors seek in genuine antique maps rather than later reproductions.

Condition report: Even age toning throughout. Light edge wear and minor handling marks consistent with original atlas use. No major tears or losses; overall a clean and well-preserved example.

Framing tips: Frame in light oak, walnut, or brushed black with a wide off-white mat to emphasize the lake contours. Museum glass recommended for preservation and clarity.

Technique: Color lithograph Maker: Rand, McNally & Co., United States, late 19th century

Keywords: antique ontario map, lake superior map, northern ontario wall art, rand mcnally map, canada antique map, great lakes map, lake nipigon map, exploration map decor, antique atlas map, canadian wall art

Where this sits in the catalogue

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Other sheets of Americas

• Vintage Literary Map of Los Angeles by Linda Ayriss, 1987, 1987
• The History of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Published in 1966, 1966
• Hermann Bollmann New York City Bird’s-Eye Map for American Airlines, 1964, 1964
• American Election Map and 1960 Presidential Fact Sheet, Published 1960, 1960
• Old Decorative Pictorial Map of the United States, circa 1953, 1953
• Vintage Poster Issued by the Suriname Tourist Bureau, circa 1950, 1950
• Original 1948 Map of Uruguay by Charles Burki – Art Deco Design, 1948
• Original 1948 Map of Canada by Charles Burki – Art Deco Mountie Illustration, 1948
• Original 1947 Map of Brazil by Charles Burki – Dutch Colonial Graphic Design, 1947
• Vintage Lake Tahoe Bird’s-Eye View Pictorial Map by Gerald A. Eddy, circa 1945, 1945
• Original Illustration Map of Alaska by Charles Burki, ca. 1945 – Ink Drawing, 1945
• Set of Three Gouache Automobile Illustrations by Charles Burki, 1937, 1937

Bartele Gallery. Original antique maps, sea charts, engravings and works on paper. This is a plain text rendering of a page that is otherwise built in the browser. The catalogue index is at https://www.bartele.net/catalogue and machine readable notes are at https://www.bartele.net/llms.txt.