CARTE DE LA COSTE ORIENTALE D’AFRIQUE DEPUIS LE XIIIᵉ DEGRÉ DE LATITUDE SEPTENTRIONALE TIRÉE DE LA CARTE DE L’OCÉAN ORIENTAL

Cartographer: Jacques-Nicolas Bellin
Publisher: By order of Le Comte De Maurepas
Price: £40 (post-free in the UK)
Publication Date: circa 1757 but dated 1740
Edition: Not stated
Format: Copper engraving
Condition: In very good condition, unframed
Sheet Size: 37.4cm x 25.2cm

Condition:

Original fold lines. Very minor age-spots and short closed tear to the lower margin and centre fold-line. Reverse is blank with age toning and minor marks. In very good condition overall.

Location: Map Drawer C: FS: Folder M2000 002545

This is a meticulously crafted 18th-century representation of the eastern coastline of Africa. It spans from the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of the continent to Cape Del Gada (modern-day Cabo Delgado), covering a significant portion of Africa’s south-eastern shores.

The map highlights the intricate contours of the coastline, with detailed depictions of bays, inlets, rivers, and islands. Key geographical features, such as Madagascar, Mozambique, and other regions along the Indian Ocean, are prominently featured. The annotations provide insight into navigation routes, trade centres, and coastal settlements, reflecting the importance of this maritime region to European explorers and traders.

Place names, often rendered in European transliterations, illustrate the extent of cultural and economic exchanges between Africa and the wider world during the era. These include references to Portuguese, Dutch, and French colonial activities, as well as interactions with local African kingdoms and trading networks. The map’s focus on maritime details, such as prevailing winds, ocean currents, and navigational hazards, underscores its utility for sailors and explorers.

Combining scientific accuracy with artistic embellishment, this map exemplifies the Enlightenment’s pursuit of knowledge and exploration. It also reflects the geopolitical significance of the eastern coast of Africa in the 18th century, serving as a critical link between African, Asian, and European trade routes. The detailed rendering of natural and man-made features captures the era’s fascination with discovery and expansion, while providing a valuable historical record of the region.

Jacques-Nicolas Bellin: A Short Biography

Jacques-Nicolas Bellin (1703–1772) was a renowned French cartographer and hydrographer, celebrated for his meticulous and influential contributions to the field of cartography during the 18th century. His work remains a cornerstone in the history of geography and navigation, shaping the way maps were crafted and utilised during the Age of Enlightenment.

Early Life and Career

Bellin was born in Paris in 1703, a period when exploration and scientific discovery were transforming Europe’s understanding of the world. Little is documented about his early life, but his keen intellect and aptitude for geographic sciences soon became apparent. In 1721, at the age of 18, he was appointed the chief cartographer to the newly established French Hydrographic Office, a position he would hold for over five decades.

Contributions to Cartography

As chief cartographer, Bellin was tasked with producing accurate maps and charts for the French Navy. His work focused on improving navigation and understanding coastal and maritime geography. He meticulously charted coastlines, harbours, and waterways, ensuring that sailors could navigate safely and efficiently. His maps were characterised by their precision, clarity, and attention to detail.

Bellin’s work extended beyond France. He compiled and corrected maps from various sources, including those created by explorers and surveyors. His maps covered diverse regions, from the Americas to Asia and Africa, reflecting the global ambitions of 18th-century France.

Notable Works

Bellin produced numerous maps and atlases, many of which became standard references in their time. Among his most celebrated works are:

• Hydrographic Charts: These detailed maps were indispensable to sailors, highlighting safe routes, hazards, and anchorages.
• Atlas Maritime: A collection of detailed nautical maps covering the world’s oceans and coasts.
• Petit Atlas Maritime: This smaller atlas was designed to be accessible to a broader audience, offering geographical knowledge to scholars, navigators, and the general public.
• Maps of Africa and Asia: Bellin’s detailed charts of the African and Asian coasts were instrumental in trade and exploration during the era.

Influence and Legacy

Bellin’s work was highly regarded not only in France but also internationally. His maps were used by navigators, scholars, and explorers and were often included in encyclopaedias and geographical collections. His rigorous methodology set a new standard in cartography, influencing how maps were created and interpreted.

Bellin was also a member of the French intellectual community, contributing to the growing repository of geographic knowledge that defined the Enlightenment. His works reflected the era’s commitment to precision, rationality, and scientific inquiry.

Later Years and Death

Bellin continued to work as a cartographer well into his later years, remaining at the forefront of geographic sciences until his death in 1772. His enduring influence is evident in the many maps and charts that bear his name, which continue to be studied and admired for their historical and scientific value.

Legacy

Jacques-Nicolas Bellin is remembered as one of the most important cartographers of the 18th century. His maps not only guided sailors across treacherous seas but also advanced the world’s understanding of geography. His commitment to accuracy and his ability to synthesise information from diverse sources made his work indispensable in an age when exploration was reshaping the global landscape. Today, Bellin’s maps are prized by collectors and historians as artefacts of a time when cartography was both an art and a science.

SHOP WITH CONFIDENCE AT HORNSEYS

At Hornseys, we are dedicated to offering items that uphold the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our collection of artwork is carefully curated to ensure that each item we offer is authentic, collated, and complete.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Each map is researched and verified for authenticity.
• Expert Curation: We wholly own all our artworks. We trust our taste and have invested heavily in it. We have confidence in all artwork that we offer for sale.
• Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions and provenance to secure and prompt delivery of your purchase.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If, however, you wish to make a return, artworks may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for whatever reason. We request that we are notified in advance if you wish to do so. They must be returned to us in the same condition as they were sent for a full refund.

OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY AND SERVICE

Understanding the value and rarity of these items, we ensure that every aspect of your purchase meets the highest standards of quality and service. This includes:

• Free Expedited, Tracked, and Insured Delivery within the UK: Ensuring that your artwork arrives safely and promptly.
• Fully-Insured Worldwide Delivery: Offering peace of mind for international collectors with reliable and secure shipping options.

EXPLORE OUR COLLECTION

Visit Hornseys today to explore our fine collection of maps and other artworks. Whether you are an avid collector or looking for a special gift, our selection offers something truly unique. Located since 1976 in Ripon in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, we are recognised as a destination gallery for tastefully curated artwork, rare maps, design, and fine books.