Step into the vibrant world of 19th-century cartography with "Central America," an exquisite 1851 map by the celebrated John Tallis. This original work, engraved for R. Montgomery Martin’s illustrious "Illustrated Atlas and Modern History of the World," is a masterful blend of political precision and artistic grandeur. The map’s decorative borders frame a meticulously detailed depiction of Central America, where each country—Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and the then-distinct "Mosquito Territory"—is elegantly outlined in color. The careful demarcation of borders and the clear labeling of regions reflect both the geopolitical realities and the exploratory spirit of the Victorian era.

John Tallis, one of the last great decorative mapmakers, was renowned for his commitment to both accuracy and beauty. His partnership with the accomplished engraver J. Rapkin and illustrator A. Fussell brought forth maps that were as visually captivating as they were informative. Tallis’s works are prized for their ornate vignettes and the way they seamlessly integrate local scenes, indigenous people, and landmarks into the cartographic narrative. This particular map is a testament to his vision, offering a window into a time when the world was being charted with both scientific rigor and artistic flourish.

The landscape of Central America comes alive through the map’s remarkable illustrations. The Volcano of Isalco, rendered in vibrant color, stands as a testament to the region’s dramatic geology and natural beauty. The Great Square of Antigua in Guatemala is depicted with architectural grace, while a vignette of Belize (then "Belise") hints at the colonial histories woven into the fabric of the land. These scenes are not mere embellishments; they are historical documents in themselves, capturing the essence of place and the allure that drew explorers and settlers alike.

A closer look reveals the intricate tapestry of cities and towns that shaped the region’s history. Guatemala City, Tegucigalpa, San Salvador, Leon, and Belize City anchor their respective countries, while lesser-known settlements like Quezaltenango, Comayagua, and Granada offer glimpses into the local cultures and economies of the time. The careful placement of these urban centers, alongside the depiction of mountain ranges, lakes, and the vital waters of the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, provides a comprehensive view of the region’s interconnected geography.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this map holds deep historical significance. The inclusion of the "Mosquito Territory" reflects the shifting colonial ambitions and indigenous sovereignties that defined Central America in the mid-19th century. The map’s blend of political boundaries, natural landmarks, and evocative illustrations invites the viewer to explore a region at the crossroads of empire, trade, and cultural exchange. As both a work of art and a historical artifact, "Central America" by John Tallis is a rare treasure for collectors and connoisseurs of cartographic history.

Cities and towns on this map

• Guatemala:
• Guatemala (Guatemala City)
• Quezaltenango
• Antigua
• Chiquimula
• Coban
• Peten
• Honduras:
• Tegucigalpa
• Comayagua
• Truxillo (Trujillo)
• Omoa
• El Salvador:
• San Salvador
• San Miguel
• Sonsonate
• Nicaragua:
• Leon
• Granada
• Matagalpa
• Belize:
• Belize (Belize City)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Volcano of Isalco (illustrated prominently)
• Great Square of Antigua in Guatemala (illustrated)
• Belize (Belise) vignette
• Pacific Ocean
• Caribbean Sea (part of the Atlantic Ocean)
• Gulf of Honduras
• Lake Nicaragua
• Clearly delineated borders between Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Belize, and Mosquito Territory
• Mountain ranges depicted throughout the region
• Mosquito Territory, historically significant as a British protectorate

Historical and design context

• Created in 1851 by John Tallis, one of the most popular and respected cartographers of the 19th century
• Engraved for R. Montgomery Martin’s "Illustrated Atlas and Modern History of the World," one of the last great decorative atlases of the 19th century
• Map drawn and engraved by J. Rapkin, with illustrations by A. Fussell and engraving by J.B. Allen
• Decorative map featuring detailed outline coloring by country and ornate borders
• Features vignettes of local scenes and landmarks, blending artistic beauty with cartographic accuracy
• Reflects mid-19th-century European interest in exploration, geography, and indigenous cultures
• Inclusion of "Mosquito Territory" highlights historical colonial and territorial interests in Central America

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.

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.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.

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 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.

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. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.

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.