Bilder Nicolas Sanson (1600–1667) – Map of Asia – L’Asie – Hand-Coloured Engraved Map (c.1652)

Beskrivning

This finely engraved and hand-coloured map titled L’Asie was created by Nicolas Sanson d’Abbeville, the preeminent French cartographer of the 17th century, often referred to as the “father of French cartography.” The map depicts the continent of Asia with remarkable clarity and compact precision, including geographic divisions such as Inde, Tartarie, Arabie, La Chine, and Japon, as well as surrounding regions including parts of Europe and the Indian Ocean. The cartouche in the upper right bears Sanson’s name and title: Geographe ordinaire du Roy.

This map likely comes from one of the small-format atlases Sanson produced, such as his L’Asia en Plusieurs Cartes Nouvelles (published between 1648–1683) or a pocket edition from c.1652. These works played a key role in the shift of European cartographic dominance from the Dutch to the French and reflect a more scientific, measured approach to mapmaking rooted in geographic and political accuracy.

Sanson’s contributions laid the foundation for later atlases by leading French publishers such as Pierre Duval and Guillaume Delisle, and his influence extended well into the 18th century.

Artist or Maker:
Nicolas Sanson d’Abbeville

Dimensions:
17 cm x 20 cm

Medium:
Hand-Coloured Engraved Map

Date:
c.1652

Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.