Rare first state of Lapie’s monumental map of Europe

Description

This impressive, highly detailed French wall map was published in 1812, at the height of Napoleon’s reign. It stretches from Spitsbergen and Novaya Zemlya in the north to northern Africa in the south, and from the Caspian Sea in the east to Iceland and the Iberian Peninsula in the west.

The map has been meticulously composed, employing a number of sources. According to a “geographical note” at bottom right of the map, it was completed in July 1812 and drew on the following:

• for Russia: “the Russian atlas in 42 governorates”, “the postal map in nine sheets”, and “the postal map in 100 sheets”
• for Sweden, Denmark, and Norway: “the old Swedish Atlas” and maps by Hermelin, Pontoppidan, and the “Copenhagen Academy” [Royal Danish Academy?]
• for Germany: “the new Prussian, Austrian, and Saxon maps”
• for France: “Belleyme's map”
• for the British Isles: maps by Cary
• for Spain and Portugal: maps by Lopez and Tofino
• for Italy: maps by d'Albe and Zannoni
• for Turkey in Europe: “several special maps and a large number of itineraries communicated by H.E. the Marshal Duke of Ragusa”.

The annotation further states that “the part of Asia is taken from a great work that the author has been working on for several years” and that “this map is based on the most accredited astronomical observations”.

As the maps title states, political divisions are indicated in line with the latest peace treaties. In the case of the present first state of the map, these treaties include:

• the Treaty of Lunéville, signed on 9 February 1801
• the Treaty of Fontainebleau, signed 11 November 1807
• the “Treaty of 26 March 1810” (not further specified).

The respective borders are shown in colour, also including the “old border of Holland”. The corresponding legend is provided in manuscript, in the map area depicting the southern North Sea, between East Anglia and Holland.

The map was re-published in 1815 and 1816, with respective updates to political divisions in line with the latest applicable treaties.

In the bottom right corner of the map, 12 distance scales are provided.

The map image was engraved by Guillaume-François Semen "Jeune", and the text – by J.D. Lale.

On verso, contemporary, engraved map seller’s label of Jean Goujon.

A fabulous and scarce large-scale map from an important time in European history.

Rarity

The map is very rare on the market, particularly in the present first state. We were not able to identify any sale of the first state by dealers or auction houses over the last 40 years and only four listings or sales of the second and third state.

Condition

Very good.

Printed from six plates, dissected into 48 panels, and laid on contemporary linen, folding. Coloured in outline. Minor light browning or staining.

Reference

Rumsey # 15530.000

Item #: 02661

US $2,100.00

Status: On Hold

other currencies