Carte des Variations de la Boussole
DESCRIPTION: Spectacularly decorative map of the world from the 'Hydrographie francoise'. Displays compass variation and prevailing wind direction across the globe. Australia is shown with only a partial coastline as "Terres Australis" or "Nouvelle Hollande" and the U.S. Pacific Northwest with no coastal detail.
Winds are represented as small cherubs with puffed cheeks. Huge rococco cartouche at right is decorated with cornucopia and numerous floral elements; capped with a crowned globe bearing the three fleur-de-lis that have be an emblem of the French coat of arms from the 14th century. This map of the world was produced by J.N. Bellin the first French "Ingenieur de la Marine" towards the end of his career in 1765. The dedicatory cartouche to the Minister of War, the Duke de Choiseul, is as much a tribute to Bellin as to the minister as it lists his several accomplishments: "Ingenieur de la Marine", "Censeur Royal de l'Academie de Marine et de la Societe Royale de Londres".
TITLE: Carte des Variations de la Boussole et des Vents Generaux Que l'on Trouve dans les plus Frequentees. Dresse au Depot des Carte de la Marine pour le Service des Vaisseaux du Roy.
BODY OF WATER:
CONDITION: Very Good
Strong and very dark impression on thick wove paper with visible platemark all around. At least 1 inch margin on all sides. Several repaired tears in margin. Only one tear intrudes past the neatline and would not be noticed when matted.
COLORING: None
ENGRAVER:
SIZE: 34
" x
22
"
PRICE: $1250
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