About the Item

Antique map titled 'Les Isles Antilles et le Golfe du Méxique'. Original old map of the Caribbean, Gulf Coast and Central America. With inset map of Bermuda. Originates from 'Histoire Philosopgique et Politique des Establissements et du Commerce des Europeens (..)' by R. Bonne. Published 1787. Rigobert Bonne (1727-1794) was an influential French cartographer of the late-eighteenth century. Born in the Lorraine region of France, Bonne came to Paris to study and practice cartography. He was a skilled cartographer and hydrographer and succeeded Jacques Nicolas Bellin as Royal Hydrographer at the Depot de la Marine in 1773. He published many charts for the Depot, including some of those for the Atlas Maritime of 1762. In addition to his work at the Depot, he is best known for his work on the maps of the Atlas Encyclopedique (1788) which he did with Nicholas Desmarest. There are several aspects that make this antique map particularly special: 1. **Historical Significance**: The map originates from "Histoire Philosopgique et Politique des Establissements et du Commerce des Europeens" by R. Bonne, published in 1787. This means it is over two centuries old, providing a valuable glimpse into the geographical knowledge and understanding of the Caribbean, Gulf Coast, and Central America during the late 18th century. 2. **Cartographic Detail**: Rigobert Bonne was a skilled French cartographer known for his accuracy and attention to detail. His maps are renowned for their precision and clarity, making them not only aesthetically pleasing but also valuable historical documents. 3. **Scope and Coverage**: The map covers a wide geographic area, including the Caribbean islands, the Gulf Coast of North America, and parts of Central America. Such comprehensive coverage would have been particularly valuable to navigators, explorers, and traders of the time. 4. **Inset Map of Bermuda**: The inclusion of an inset map of Bermuda adds to the map's appeal and utility, providing additional detail for a specific region of interest. 5. **Association with R. Bonne**: Rigobert Bonne's contributions to cartography, including his role as Royal Hydrographer, and his collaborations with other notable cartographers like Nicolas Desmarest, add to the map's significance and collectability. 6. **Artistic and Aesthetic Value**: Beyond its practical utility, antique maps are often appreciated for their artistic qualities, including elaborate decorative elements, ornate cartouches, and vibrant coloration. Overall, the combination of historical context, cartographic excellence, and the map's association with a renowned cartographer like R. Bonne contributes to its special status among collectors, historians, and enthusiasts of antique maps and cartography.

Dimensions:
Height: 10.52 in (26.7 cm)Width: 16.38 in (41.6 cm)Depth: 0.02 in (0.5 mm)
Materials and Techniques:
Paper
Period:
Late 18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1787
Condition:
Age-related toning. Original folding line. Blank verso. Please study image carefully.
Seller Location:
Langweer, NL
Reference Number:
Seller: BG-13528-81stDibs: LU3054338411892