A New Map of the Province of Quebec, According to the Royal Proclamation, of the 7th of October, 1763, published in 1776 by Robert Sayer and John Bennett, captures a pivotal reordering of North American space with elegance and authority. Its ornate cartouche and meticulous engraving are emblematic of late eighteenth-century cartography, while its reach—encompassing the Province of Quebec and adjoining portions of northern New York State and Maine—mirrors the expanding horizons of British governance after the French and Indian War. Sayer and Bennett, renowned for charting these turbulent frontiers, marshal both British and inherited French surveys to craft a coherent vision of territory and power. The St. Lawrence River sweeps through the composition as its organizing spine, a navigable corridor binding Quebec City to Montreal and the wider Atlantic world amid the extraordinary tensions of 1776.

At the heart of the map lies the careful articulation of boundaries set forth by the Royal Proclamation. The “High Lands,” drawn as a clean, serrated divide, separate the great watersheds feeding the St. Lawrence from those flowing toward the Atlantic, providing a natural logic to jurisdiction. Lake Champlain, precisely delineated, functions as a frontier gateway and measure of distance, its north–south corridor long the axis of trade and conflict. Eastward, the River St. John fixes the limits of the Labrador Coast; the Baye des Chaleurs and Cape Rosieres fringe the Gaspé with maritime punctuation; and the Island of Anticosti presides at the mouth of the St. Lawrence like a sentinel. Together these features knit politics to geography, turning contour and current into the grammar of imperial space.

The map’s urban focus orbits two poles: Quebec City and Montreal, each named with a clarity that underscores their strategic and commercial weight. Sayer and Bennett provide a particularly fine inset of the Isles of Montreal, its crowded channels and low-lying islands neatly labeled to decode one of the river’s most complex reaches. South of the St. Lawrence, Fort Ticonderoga stands on the New York frontier as a small but resonant emblem of military geography along the Lake Champlain corridor. Eastward, Augusta appears within the Maine hinterland, a reminder that colonial settlements and interior waterways were inseparable. Across the sheet, rivers braid into roads, and placenames derived from both French and English usage quietly announce the map’s bilingual parentage.

Sayer and Bennett’s achievement is as intellectual as it is visual. Working at a moment when authority depended upon measurement, they reconciled early English fieldwork with long-standing French survey traditions to produce a synthesis both practical and persuasive. The engraving speaks the language of precision—fine riverine tracery, stippled shallows, and measured hachures that model relief without overwhelming the eye—yet retains the decorative poise of the period via an elegant cartouche. Their editorial hand is judicious: coastlines are tightened, inland courses regularized, and political notes embedded within natural forms, demonstrating how eighteenth-century cartography could serve simultaneously as science, statement, and instrument of rule.

Issued during Benedict Arnold’s 1776 siege of Quebec City, the map resonates with the immediacy of events. It fixes on paper the boundaries proclaimed in 1763 just as new forces sought to unsettle them, preserving a British vision of space at the threshold of profound change. Military planners would have read the St. Lawrence not merely as a river but as a supply line; Lake Champlain, not merely a lake but a contested highway to Fort Ticonderoga; the “High Lands,” not merely ridges but limits of jurisdiction and strategy. As a historical record, it captures the transitional fabric of postwar North America—where survey lines, waterways, and place-names together narrate the contested making of Quebec and its frontiers.

Cities and towns on this map

• Quebec City (Quebec; modern population ~540,000)
• Montreal (Quebec; modern population ~1,780,000)
• Fort Ticonderoga (New York State; modern population ~600)
• Augusta (Maine; modern population ~19,000)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• St. Lawrence River: Prominent geographical feature depicted.
• Lake Champlain: Clearly marked as a significant boundary.
• River St. John: Boundary marker for the Labrador Coast.
• Baye des Chaleurs: Shown along the eastern coast of Quebec.
• High Lands: Representing the divide between watersheds.
• Cape Rosieres: Notable landmark on the coast of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
• Island of Anticosti: Highlighted in the depiction of the St. Lawrence River mouth.
• Inserts of Montreal: Detailed inset of the Isles of Montreal with labels for geographical features.

Historical and design context

• Created: 1776
• Mapmakers: Robert Sayer & John Bennett
• Context about Mapmakers: Sayer and Bennett were known for their cartographic works during a time of significant territorial changes in North America, particularly following the French and Indian War.
• Topics/Themes: Illustrates political boundaries established by the Royal Proclamation, geographical features like rivers and lakes, and highlights early English surveys alongside French survey data.
• Design/Style: Features an ornate cartouche and detailed topographical illustrations, indicative of the 18th-century cartographic style.
• Historical Significance: Serves as a historical record of the territorial boundaries as defined by the Royal Proclamation of 1763, following the French & Indian War, marking a pivotal moment in the establishment of British authority in North America.
• Integration of Survey Data: Attempts to reconcile French and British survey information, reflecting the transitional nature of territorial claims post-war.
• Notable Events: Published during Benedict Arnold's siege of Quebec City, reflecting the geopolitical tensions of the time.

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 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.

Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.

Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.

We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.

• We can deliver directly to the recipient
• Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
• Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
• Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
• 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide

If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.

Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.

We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.

Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.

Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.

Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.

If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.

Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.

Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 5-year guarantee.

Read our 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.

Se non sei soddisfatto del tuo ordine per qualsiasi motivo, contattami per un rimborso senza problemi. Si prega di consultare la nostra politica di reso e rimborso per ulteriori informazioni.

Sono molto sicuro che ti piacerà la tua mappa restaurata o la stampa d'arte. Lo faccio dal 1984. Sono un venditore Etsy a 5 stelle. Ho venduto decine di migliaia di mappe e stampe d'arte e ho oltre 5.000 recensioni reali a 5 stelle.

Utilizzo un processo unico per restaurare mappe e opere d'arte che richiede molto tempo e lavoro. Trovare le mappe e le illustrazioni originali può richiedere mesi. Utilizzo tecnologia all'avanguardia e incredibilmente costosa per scannerizzare e restaurarle. Di conseguenza, garantisco che le mie mappe e stampe d'arte siano superiori alle altre - ecco perché posso offrire un rimborso senza problemi.

Quasi tutte le mie mappe e stampe d'arte sembrano fantastiche a grandi dimensioni (200 cm, 6,5 piedi+) e posso anche incorniciarle e consegnarle a te, tramite un corriere speciale per oggetti di grandi dimensioni. Contattami per discutere delle tue esigenze specifiche.