1823 Zea Map of Gran Colombia: Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Panama

This is the rare and important 1823' Zea Map of Colombia', one of the earliest specific maps of Gran Colombia at its height. This map was printed on behalf of the Colombian vice president under Simón Bolívar, Francisco Antonio Zea (1766 - 1822), to court European, and specifically British, investment in the new Republic, which was in dire need of financial support. The title references the naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, not for any cartographic contributions, as the map is based on the maps of John Arrowsmith, but rather for his unwavering support of an independent Gran Colombia and his promotion of its natural wealth.

A Closer Look

The map illustrates Gran Colombia at its height, under the governance of Simón Bolívar, one year after the Constitution of Cúcuta and before infighting began to tear the vast territory apart. Coverage embraces from the Pacific to the Essequibo River and from the Caribbean Sea to the Amazon, thus incorporating a vast territory including modern-day Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Panama, as well as part of Peru and Brazil. It is meticulously detailed throughout, showing roads, river systems, topography, and political boundaries. The cartography follows John Arrowsmith's large-scale general map of South America, like in its 1814 issue, but with significant updates.

Ephemeral Crest

In the lower right, there is a dramatic cartouche featuring an ephemeral armorial crest proposed in 1822 to accommodate the Free Province of Guayaquil's admission into Gran Colombia. This shield was of English form, divided into three sections, each with a background reflecting the colors of the Republic's flag. In the upper section, silver stars represent departments or states. The lower left section featured an indomitable horse symbolizing freedom, while the lower right displayed a broken scepter, signifying the end of royalty. At the top of the coat of arms, an eagle (or condor) with open wings was depicted, and at the bottom, the motto 'Ser Libre o Morir' [Freedom or Death]. Surrounding the shield, on the left, a powerful bearded man armed with a mace, and on the right, a nymph. It is debated whether or not this crest was formalized, as this is one of very few examples of its use.

Gran Colombia

Gran Colombia was a republic that encompassed much of northern South America, including present-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama. Established in 1819 after the successful liberation from Spanish rule, Gran Colombia was led by Simón Bolívar, a key figure in Latin America's independence movements. The Republic aimed to unite the diverse regions under a single federal government, promoting stability and prosperity. Despite initial enthusiasm, the vast territory and regional differences posed significant challenges to governance. Internal conflicts and differing visions for the future of the Republic ultimately led to its dissolution in 1831, but during its brief existence, Gran Colombia symbolized the dream of a unified and independent Latin America.

Publication History and Census

This map was drawn in London under the direction of Robert Mudie and published by Baldwin, Cradock, and Jay (likely a misprint of 'Joy'), and engraved by Neele and Son. It was prepared to accompany Alexandre Walker's 1822-23 Colombia: Siendo Una Relacion Geografica, Topografica, Agricultural, Comercial, Politica …, published in London in both English and Spanish. We note about 22 examples of the book in OCLC, many with the map reinstated in facsimile. Of the separate map, OCLC cites 3 confirmed holdings.