Catalog Archive
Auction 165, Lot 494

Impressive Wall Map of Paris and Surrounding Area

"Les Environs de Paris, ou sont la Prevoste, Vicomte, et le Presidial de Paris...", Nolin, Jean Batiste

Subject: Paris, France

Period: 1748 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
55.8 x 46.4 inches
141.7 x 117.9 cm
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This impressive wall map centers on Paris and shows the surrounding area to Compeigne in the north, Chateau Thierry in the east, Melun in the south, and Dreux in the west. The Seine River crosses prominently across the map, which is filled with meticulous detail of towns, roads, abbey, rivers, and forests. The map was printed on four separate sheets, which were joined and surrounded by decorative borders printed on additional sheets. At top is a panoramic view of Paris as viewed from the east, with Notre Dame approximately in the center and Mont Martre at right. The upper view is flanked by views of two local castles: Versailles and Chateau-Neuf de Saint-Germain-en-Laye. At bottom is a panoramic view of Paris as viewed from the south, with the Seine River in the foreground and 27 buildings identified in a numbered key, including the Louvre at left and Notre Dame near the center. The lower view is flanked by Mercury, a river goddess, Athena, and several cherubs. The side panels feature an alphabetic table of all the towns surrounding Paris. Engraved by N. Bocquet. Backed in linen.

References:

Condition: B+

There is light soiling, minor toning, and a few small abrasions. The map was previously folded, and has since been professionally flattened and backed in linen to repair some tiny holes and separations along the folds. There are two holes holes (0.25" and 1" in diameter) and several short tears just to the west of Melun that have been repaired with a small amount of image replaced in facsimile and some loss of image. A 5" portion of the joint between the bottom two sheets of the map has come partially unglued. Despite these issues, the map is in very good condition for such a large wall map and presents itself well.

Estimate: $3,500 - $4,500

Unsold

Closed on 11/15/2017

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