Bilder Jacques-Nicolas Bellin (1703–1772) – Map of the Peninsula of India – Copperplate engraving (1752)

Beskrivning

This geographical map depicts the southern portion of the Indian subcontinent, encompassing the Peninsula of India and the island of Ceylon (Isle de Ceylan). The work provides detailed topography of the Carnatic (Carnate), Malabar, and Coromandel coasts, identifying major ports and trading centers such as Goa, Pondicherry, and Madras. The interior is illustrated with mountain ranges and river systems, with various regional kingdoms and territories noted throughout the peninsula. A decorative rococo title cartouche is positioned in the lower-left corner, featuring ornate scrollwork and a foliage motif, and containing mileage scales in French and Dutch units. This illustration was originally published in the "Histoire Generale des Voyages" and reflects the extensive hydrographic records compiled by the French Navy during the mid-18th century.

Jacques-Nicolas Bellin was a preeminent French hydrographer and geographer who served as the official cartographer to the French Navy for over five decades. He was a founding member of the Académie de Marine and a fellow of the Royal Society of London, earning high acclaim for his systematic approach to maritime charting. Bellin was responsible for the monumental "Petit Atlas Maritime" and provided hundreds of maps for the "Histoire Générale des Voyages," which served as the primary source of geographical knowledge for the French Enlightenment. His maps are celebrated for their technical accuracy and their role in documenting the expanding European understanding of global coastlines and colonial territories during the 18th century.

Artist or Maker:
Jacques-Nicolas Bellin.

Dimensions:
Approximately 34 cm x 25 cm.

Medium:
Copperplate engraving.

Date:
1752.

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.