Carte de l'Isle de Bourbon autrefois Mascareigne

BELLIN, Jacques Nicolas

Edité par Jacques Nicolas Bellin, Paris, 1764

A propos de cet article

Map. Engraving with hand coloring. Image measures 7 3/4 x 9 1/2". This 1764 map by Jacques-Nicolas Bellin depicts L'Isle De Bourbon, now known as Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean. It features imprecise contours and highlights the island's three oldest districts: Saint-Paul (1665), Saint-Denis (1689), and Sainte-Suzanne (1704). The map is beautifully detailed and identifies rivers, lakes, bays and topographical features with relief rendered in profile. Perhaps the most striking feature is the illustration of the active volcano labeled 'Volcan' in the south east quadrant of the map. Initially called Bourbon from 1649 to 1793 and again from 1810 to 1848, it was briefly renamed 'Ile Bonaparte' (after Napoleon) from 1806 to 1810. Following the French Revolution, the name was changed to Reunion. The island became a colony of the French East India Company in 1665 and remains a French overseas department today. In good condition with minor toning. Jacques Nicolas Bellin (1703-1772) was the official hydrographer to the French king and the first person to hold the title of "Ingenieur de la Marine of the Depot des cartes et plans de la Marine" (chief engineer of the French Hydrographical Office). Bellin oversaw the systematic mapping of coastlines with unparalleled precision, surpassing his English and Dutch contemporaries. Known to be one of the most important cartographers of the 18th century, he was particularly well-known for his maps of the French Empire, especially the territories in North America. Bellin's maps, celebrated for their accuracy and craftsmanship, set the standard for navigation and geographical study across Europe during the eighteenth century. This map is a beautiful example of his work.

N° de réf. du vendeur 322819

Détails bibliographiques

• Titre: Carte de l'Isle de Bourbon autrefois Mascareigne
• Éditeur: Jacques Nicolas Bellin, Paris
• Date de parution: 1764
• Reliure: unbound
• Catalogues du vendeur:
  • AFRICA
  • FRANCE
  • 18TH CENTURY