Partie de la Terre Ferme de l'Inde ou l'Empire du Mongol
Paris: Denys Thierry, 1683.
Miniature map. Uncolored copper plate engraving. Image measures 5 5/8" x 4". Sheet measures 7 7/8" x 4 3/4".
This lovely miniature map of India is from the original French edition of Manesson-Mallet's "Description de L'Univers." It depicts the Mughal Empire from the Himalayas to the Gulf of Bengal, extending from the Indus River delta to the Ganges River delta. Despite its small size, the map depicts the subcontinent in lovely detail, showing towns and rivers and regional place names. The Himalayas, at the northern boundary of this map, are depicted pictorially. Above the map is the heading "De L'Asie. Figure XLI.". A remarkably detailed decorative title cartouche at the top shows two warriors holding crowns and scepters in one hand, and olive branches framing the title plate in the other. In very good condition. French text on verso.
Allain Manesson-Mallet (1630-1706) advanced from his position of musket bearer under Louis XIV to eventually occupy the position of "maitre de mathematiques" to the French King. He was the author and engraver of "Description de L'Univers," a five-volume survey of the world that included maps of the ancient and modern world, star maps, illustrations of flora and fauna, and information on the customs, religion and government of the many nations included in the text. When it was published, the text was the largest and most comprehensive work of its type. Intended to entertain its readers, Mallet's "Description" was a time capsule of the 17th-century world that captured and displayed it in all of its splendor. Binding: Unbound
Language: French
Price: $165.00
Item #338459