"Atlas Universel", Robert de Vaugondy

This title page typifies the flourishing baroque and rococo style of French design and engraving that gained popularity in the latter part of the 18th century. The title is enclosed by scenes including four queens representing the continents. At lower right is Minerva who stands for Europe and wisdom. On the left are Asia with a camel and Africa holding an elephant tusk and riding a lion. America is shown as a muscular Amazon queen with a bow and quiver of arrows. The sun-god Apollo gallops across the heavens in his chariot, and a flock of adorable putti frolic around a large globe at center.

References: Shirley (TP) #87.

Condition: B

The margins have been replaced with old paper and the entire sheet has been backed with tissue to repair numerous small edge tears that extend from 0.25" to 1" into the image. There is minor soiling, an extraneous vertical crease, and a tiny chip in the bottom right corner has been replaced in facsimile.