Jacques-Nicolas Bellin

Hand-coloured Historic Map "Representation du ...

Hand-coloured Historic Map "Representation du Cours ordinaire des Vents de Traverse qui regnent le long des Cotes dans la Mer Atlantique & Celle des Indes" charging the course of the trade winds in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, published by Bellin in the "Histoire Generale de Voyages", based upon the obseravations of Dampier. Jacques-Nicolas Bellin (1703-1772) was among the most important mapmakers of the eighteenth century. In 1721, at only the age of 18, he was appointed Hydrographer to the French Navy. In August 1741, he became the first "Ingénieur de la Marine of the Dépôt des cartes et plans de la Marine" (the French Hydrographic Office) and was named Official Hydrographer of the French King. During his term as Official Hydrographer, the Dépôt was the one of the most active centers for the production of sea charts and maps in Europe. Their output included a folio-format sea atlas of France, the Neptune Francois. He also produced a number of sea atlases of the world, including the Atlas Maritime and the Hydrographie Francaise. These gained fame and distinction all over Europe and were republished throughout the eighteenth and even in the nineteenth century. This is an original print, not a modern reproduction. The reverse side is blank.

The 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 image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.
Dimensions: 14” x 10” inches / 35 cm x 25 cm; Medium: Engraving; Date: 1740s-1750s; Origin: Paris, France