• Title : Carte De La Louisiane Cours Du Mississipi et Pais Voisins...N Bellin 1744
• Date : 1744
  
• Size: 23in x 16 1/4in (585mm x 415mm)
• Condition: (A) Very Good Condition
• Ref:  27094

Description:
This important, original hand coloured copper plate engraved antique map of North America and the colonial states by Nicolas Bellin in conjunction with Jean-Frédéric Phélypeaux, the Comte de Maurepas, was engraved and published in 1744, dated.

This detailed map depicts the region of Louisiana and the Mississippi River, as well as neighboring territories such as Florida, the Great Lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico. The map is richly decorated with a detailed cartouche featuring a Native American figure, various animals, and a scale bar.
The map is highly detailed and accurate, with the major waterways, coastlines, and settlements clearly marked. The topographical features such as mountains, forests, and swamps are also depicted in great detail. The map includes annotations in French, indicating the locations of various Native American tribes and European settlements.
One interesting feature of the map is the depiction of the river system, with numerous tributaries branching out from the Mississippi River. The map also includes illustrations of the mouth of the Mississippi River and various settlements along its banks.
Overall, Carte De La Louisiane Cours Du Mississipi et Pais Voisins is a beautiful and informative example of 18th-century cartography. Bellin's map reflects the geopolitical tensions of the era, as France and England were competing for control over the region, and it remains a valuable resource for historians and collectors alike.

General Definitions:
Paper thickness and quality: - Heavy and stable
Paper color : - off white
Age of map color: - Original
Colors used: - Yellow, green, blue, pink
General color appearance: - Authentic
Paper size: - 23in x 16 1/4in (585mm x 415mm)
Plate size: - 23in x 16 1/4in (585mm x 415mm)
Margins: - Min 1/2in (12mm)

Imperfections:
Margins: - Right margin extended from border
Plate area: - Folds as issued
Verso: - Folds as issued

Background:
The Comte de Maurepas and Nicolas Bellin were both influential figures in the French Navy during the 18th century, and they worked closely together on several important projects.
Jean-Frédéric Phélypeaux, the Comte de Maurepas, was a French statesman who served as Secretary of State for the Navy under Louis XV. He was a strong supporter of naval exploration and cartography, and he played a key role in promoting the work of cartographers such as Nicolas Bellin.
Nicolas Bellin, as mentioned earlier, was a French cartographer, hydrographer, and engineer who produced numerous maps and atlases that were highly regarded for their accuracy and detail. Bellin worked closely with the Comte de Maurepas on several projects, including the creation of the Neptune François, a collection of maps and nautical charts of the world's oceans.
The Neptune François was a major undertaking that involved the collaboration of numerous cartographers and hydrographers, including Bellin. The project was overseen by the Comte de Maurepas and was intended to provide French sailors with the most up-to-date and accurate information about the world's oceans.
Bellin's contributions to the Neptune François were extensive, and he was responsible for creating numerous maps and charts that covered a wide range of regions, including the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and North America. His work on the project helped establish him as one of the leading cartographers of his time.
Overall, the Comte de Maurepas and Nicolas Bellin were both instrumental in advancing the field of cartography during the 18th century. Through their collaboration on projects such as the Neptune François, they helped to establish the French Navy as a leading authority on maritime exploration and mapping.

Please note all items auctioned are genuine, we do not sell reproductions. A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) can be issued on request.