Carte De L'Isle De St. Thomas l'Une des Vierges
Paris: Jacques Nicolas Bellin, 1764.
Map. Engraving with hand coloring. Image measures 9" x 14"
This is a scarce 1764 map of St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands was created by Jacques-Nicolas Bellin at the height of French colonial power. Includes a large decorative title cartouche, compass rose and rhumb lines. Beautiful pictorial elevations are depicted throughout the island, as well as lush green landscapes, forts, villages, sand bars, bays, anchor points, and surrounding islands. Depths shown by soundings. The map was published in Bellin's 1764 edition of "Le petit atlas maritime". In excellent condition. Two small foxing marks, one near title cartouche, another near right edge of paper not affecting the image.
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.
Binding: Unbound
Language: French
Price: $850.00
Item #330436