The Comparative Size of Lakes and Islands of the World, 1886: North & South Hemispheres, Great Lakes, Black Sea, etc.

Step into the world of late 19th-century cartographic mastery with "Comparative Size of Lakes and Islands of the World," an extraordinary map published in 1886 by the esteemed G.W. & C.B. Colton & Co. This captivating work, created at the height of global exploration and scientific curiosity, offers a meticulously detailed visual comparison of the planet’s largest lakes and islands. Each feature is drawn to scale, inviting the viewer to contemplate the true proportions of these natural wonders—a rare treat for both the seasoned collector and the intellectually curious.

The Colton firm, renowned for its precision and artistry, was a pillar of American mapmaking in the 1800s. Operating from their headquarters at 182 William Street in New York, the Coltons were responsible for some of the era’s most influential atlases and thematic maps. Their dedication to accuracy and aesthetic excellence is evident in every aspect of this map, from the careful application of color to the use of hachures, an artistic technique that brings relief and depth to the landscape. This map stands as a testament to their enduring legacy in the annals of cartography.

What sets this map apart is its innovative approach to geographic education. Rather than focusing on political boundaries or cities, it presents a global tableau of the Earth’s most significant lakes and islands, grouped by hemisphere and rendered in harmonious color. The map not only showcases familiar giants like Greenland, Borneo, and Lake Superior, but also highlights less commonly depicted features such as the saline-rich Great Salt Lake and Mono Lake. Each body of water and landmass is positioned to facilitate direct visual comparison, making this map as intellectually stimulating as it is visually striking.

A particularly fascinating aspect of this map is its attention to the unique hydrological properties of select bodies of water. The Black Sea and Caspian Sea are noted for their distinct salinity levels—about half and one-third that of ocean water, respectively—while the map draws special attention to the extreme salinity of the Great Salt Lake and Mono Lake. This focus on the chemical diversity of the world’s lakes underscores the map’s dual role as both a scientific document and a work of art, reflecting the spirit of inquiry that defined the late Victorian era.

Though the map is global in scope, it eschews the inclusion of cities, towns, or political borders, instead offering a pure celebration of the Earth’s natural forms. From the icy expanse of Greenland to the lush contours of Madagascar and the deep blue of Lake Baikal, each feature is presented with clarity and reverence. For collectors, historians, and lovers of geography, this map offers not only a window into the physical world as it was understood in 1886, but also a piece of cartographic history that embodies the intellectual and artistic achievements of its time.

Cities and towns on this map

• (No cities or towns are labeled or visible on this map. The map exclusively focuses on comparative sizes of lakes and islands and does not include settlements.)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Bodies of Water:
• Caspian Sea (noted for salinity about one-third that of ocean water)
• Black Sea (noted for salinity about half that of ocean water)
• Great Salt Lake (highly saline)
• Mono Lake (highly saline)
• Lake Superior
• Lake Michigan
• Lake Huron
• Lake Erie
• Lake Ontario
• Lake Baikal
• Lake Victoria
• Lake Tanganyika
• Lake Nicaragua
• Lake Titicaca
• Aral Sea
• Islands:
• Great Britain
  
• Cuba
• Iceland
• Java
• Newfoundland
• Hainan
• Luzon
• Mindanao
• Ireland
• Tasmania
• Sri Lanka (Ceylon)
• Sicily
• Sardinia
• Corsica
• Jamaica
• Cyprus
• Illustrations and Design Elements:
• Islands and lakes are drawn to scale for direct visual comparison.
• Clear differentiation between hemispheres (Northern and Southern Hemispheres).
• Artistic use of color and hachures to provide depth and visual clarity.

Historical and design context

• Published in 1886 by G.W. & C.B. Colton & Co., a respected cartographic firm based in New York.
• Part of a late edition atlas, reflecting the geographic understanding and cartographic techniques of the late 19th century.
• Map visually compares the sizes of major lakes and islands around the globe, with a focus on both hemispheres.
• Highlights varying salinity levels of certain lakes and seas, providing educational insights into geographic and hydrological characteristics.
• Rendered in full color with detailed artistic techniques, including hachures to depict relief and depth.
• Serves as both an educational tool and a historical artifact, valued by collectors, historians, and geography enthusiasts.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.