Catalog Archive
Auction 184, Lot 497

NO RESERVE

"Marseille", SDUK Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge

Subject: Marseille, France

Period: 1840 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
15.6 x 12.5 inches
39.6 x 31.8 cm
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The beginning of the nineteenth century saw a period of rapid market growth and innovation in the map publishing world. Increased literacy and public interest in new frontiers and colonies overwhelmed the market because it was oriented toward the small, affluent market of the previous century. With the intent to fill this void, The Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge (SDUK) was founded in 1828 in London, by Lord Brougham and a group of men dedicated to the education of the aspiring working class and the Utilitarian ideal of 'Knowledge is Power.' The society produced an array of education materials, but the series of maps was one of their most successful ventures. A number of engravers and printers were used to produce the maps, which eventually exceed 200 sheets, and continued to be published after the Society as a whole ceased to function.

This is an attractive engraved plan of the city. The important harbor is guarded by the walled fortresses of Citadel St. Nicolas and Fort St. Jean. It includes details of a planned inland waterway or canal with docks. Legend shows a remarkable increase of over 25% in the city's population between 1827 and 1837.

References:

Condition: B+

Contemporary color with minor toning, faint scattered foxing, and a couple short tears at bottom right that have been closed on verso with archival tape.

Estimate: $70 - $90

Sold for: $110

Closed on 9/15/2021

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