Catalog Archive
Auction 122, Lot 256

"Croquis des Atterrages de la Baie de San Francisco (Haute California)…", Depot de la Marine

Subject: California

Period: 1843 (dated)

Publication: Voyage Autour du Monde sur la Frégate la Vénus pendant les années 1836-1839

Color: Black & White

Size:
23.8 x 17 inches
60.5 x 43.2 cm
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This very scarce chart of San Francisco Bay was made during a voyage to the Pacific from 1836-39 by Captain Abel Aubert Dupetit Thouars in command of the Venus. The bay is well delineated with soundings and profile views. France was interested in obtaining territory from the Mexican government in exchange for the millions of dollars worth of loans that the French government had given to Mexico, and which the Mexican government had defaulted on. They sent Captain Dupetit Thouars to survey the region and see what it offered, as well as to inject a French presence to bolster any claims they had in the Pacific. The chart was engraved by Jacobs, and drawn by J. M. Hacq. Notation of Prix Un Franc lower right.

References:

Condition: A

A nice example on sturdy laid paper with some minor marginal foxing.

Estimate: $700 - $850

Sold for: $800

Closed on 12/5/2007

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