Bilder Jacques-Nicolas Bellin – Map of the Canary Islands (Tenerife) – Engraved by Jakob van der Schley – Published in Prévost’s Histoire Générale des Voyages – 1747

Beskrivning

This finely engraved 18th-century map presents the Canary Islands with a particular focus on Tenerife, one of the most important stopover points for Atlantic navigation. Based on the cartographic work of Jacques-Nicolas Bellin, the map includes detailed coastal outlines, place names, anchorages, and topographic features. Tenerife is shown prominently at the center, with Mount Teide and surrounding settlements clearly marked.

The engraving was executed by Jakob van der Schley and published in the Dutch edition of Histoire Générale des Voyages, a widely distributed geographical and ethnographic encyclopedia compiled by Antoine-François Prévost. The map exemplifies the Enlightenment’s drive to document the known world through scientific cartography and the collaborative work of French and Dutch mapmakers and engravers.

Jacques-Nicolas Bellin (1703–1772) was the premier hydrographer to the French Navy and a key figure in 18th-century European cartography. Jakob van der Schley (1715–1779), his Dutch engraver, was known for his precise and decorative copperplate work, often based on Bellin’s original drafts.

Artist or Maker: Jacques-Nicolas Bellin (cartographer), Jakob van der Schley (engraver), Antoine-François Prévost (editor)

Dimensions: 25 × 36 cm

Medium: Copperplate Engraving

Date: 1747

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.