Beautiful large-format map of the Mediterranean by Sanson/Jaillot

Description

This striking, highly decorative map of the Mediterranean was created by Nicolas Sanson and published by Alexis-Hubert Jaillot in 1696 in Paris. It depicts the Mediterranean Sea and adjoining regions, extending from southern Central Europe to northern Africa and from the Strait of Gibraltar to the Holy Land.

The map is highly detailed, with countless topographical features and placenames throughout. Relief and vegetation are rendered pictorially. Major settlements are symbolised through stylised buildings.

An elaborate title cartouche decorates the bottom left corner of the map. Linking to the importance of the Mediterranean Sea, the cartouche depicts a maritime scene, headed by Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. In addition to his trident, here he is seen also holding a horn of plenty.

At top left, there is another decorative cartouche, holding no less than eight distance scales.

The map shows a graticule and features the Tropic of Cancer. A compass rose adorns the centre of the Mediterranean Sea.

Above the top neatline, there is a second title, La Mer Mediterranée divisée en Mer de Levant, et de Ponant, Subdivisées en leurs Principales Parties ou Mers; ou sont remarqués ses Principaux Golfes, Caps ou Promontoires, Ports de Mers [The Mediterranean Sea, divided into the Levant and the Ponant, subdivided into their principal parts or seas, with its principal gulfs, capes or promontories, and sea ports noted].

A wonderful map of this historically important region.

Condition

Fine.

Printed on two sheets, now joined as one, folding. Beautiful colouring in outline and to cartouches, relief, vegetation, and compass rose. A few faint stains, mostly contained to blank margins.

Item #: 02676

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