Original impression produced in 1757 by the cartographer Georges-Louis Le Rouge.
Taken from the Recueil des Côtes Maritimes de France, published by Desnos.
Nautical details: The fleur-de-lis indicating north, together with the sandbanks, currents and water depths, are clearly marked—essential information for mariners of the period. A compass rose is also included to facilitate navigation and orientation at sea.
The border is richly ornamented with colourful motifs incorporating nautical instruments, weapons and foliage. These decorative elements lend the map an artistic quality while reflecting its symbolic and practical importance.
The exceptionally detailed coastal survey includes a scale graduated in two half-leagues. It was drawn by Georges-Louis Le Rouge, engineer of fortifications and geographer to King Louis XV. He also served as a military engineer to the Count of Clermont and worked as an engraver, publisher and print dealer.
Beautiful original hand-colouring in watercolour.
Dimensions : Frame: Height ?? in. – Width ?? in. / Frame moulding: ?? in.,
(Frame: Height ?? cm – Width ?? cm / Frame moulding: ?? cm),
Condition : PERFECT CONDITION,
Period : MID-18TH CENTURY – Dated 1757,
Framing : CONTEMPORARY – Comprising a bevelled gilt inner border and an orange moiré-silk mount. The whole is presented beneath glass in a wooden frame with an antique gold patina and a contrasting green band.
Surviving 18th-century nautical charts are relatively rare for several historical and practical reasons. Produced for military, commercial and navigational purposes, they were often subjected to intensive use at sea. Exposure to humidity, salt and repeated handling frequently resulted in their deterioration or loss, which explains the scarcity of examples preserved in fine condition.
Furthermore, such maps could contain strategically important information during a period marked by intense maritime rivalry between powers such as France, England and Spain. Their circulation was therefore sometimes restricted. They were also regularly updated to correct inaccuracies or incorporate new discoveries, causing earlier versions to become obsolete and, in many cases, to be discarded or replaced.
Many surviving nautical charts are now held in private collections, libraries and institutional archives, further limiting their availability on the art market. These factors make them rare and valuable objects: historical navigational tools, works of art sought after by collectors and highly decorative documents.
Crédit Agricole
ou LYDIA 