Duval's popular geography book, Le Monde ou la Geographie Universelle, was published many times between 1660-1688. Each edition included a miniature double-hemisphere world map, however two different (but very similar) plates were used over the course of publication. The first world map was titled Le Monde Terrestre; this is is the second world map, which first appeared in 1663. This miniature double-hemisphere map depicts the island of California with Iesso extending between Asia and North America. There are a few place names noted on each continent, including Mexico and Canada in North America. The western outline of Terre Australe is depicted, and a large, partially delineated Terres Antarctiques is shown. There are four states of the second plate:

1. With the imprint of the engraver: "F Lapointe f."
2. With the engraver's imprint removed, and 18 place names added
3. Numerous alterations, including re-engraving of part of the map, more place names added within the hemispheres, a list of 10 place names added in the bottom corners of the map, and the date "1672" added above the imprint at bottom
4. The date "1672" is removed

This example is the second state of the map, with the imprint of the engraver (Francois de Lapointe) removed.

Pierre Duval was Nicolas Sanson's nephew and pupil. He published a wide range of atlases and individual maps including a fine miniature world geography with many of the maps based on Sanson.

See also lot 734 for Geoffrey King's Miniature Antique Maps and lot 735 for Rodney Shirley's The Mapping of the World that both describe this map.

References: King (3rd ed.) #1660; Shirley #405.

Condition: B+

A crisp impression with light foxing and soiling. There is an old manuscript ink notation at top right.