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: £30 (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 minor loss to the lower margin. Reverse is blank with age toning and minor marks. In very good condition overall.

Location: Map Drawer C: FS: Folder M2000 002542

This is a meticulously crafted map from the mid-18th century, attributed to the renowned French cartographer Jacques-Nicolas Bellin. It forms part of the broader efforts of European cartographers during the Enlightenment to chart the coasts and trade routes of the known world, particularly those regions critical for maritime trade and exploration.

Detailed Description:

1. Geographic Coverage:
   The map depicts the eastern coastline of Africa, spanning from the 13th degree of northern latitude to areas further south, possibly extending towards the Mozambique Channel. This coverage includes territories of modern-day Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, and northern Mozambique.
2. Cartographic Features:
   • Coastline Details: The map presents an intricate delineation of the African coastline, including bays, inlets, capes, and islands. It identifies prominent geographical features and navigational landmarks critical for 18th-century sailors.
   • Nautical Information: Marked with sailing directions, the map highlights hazards such as shoals, reefs, and shallow waters, as well as safe harbours and anchorages.
   • Settlements and Ports: Major trading ports and settlements along the Swahili Coast are indicated, reflecting the region’s vibrant trade network linking Africa to the Middle East, India, and beyond.
3. Design and Aesthetics:
   • Title Cartouche: The title is elegantly displayed, often framed within decorative cartouches typical of Bellin’s work, showcasing the artistic flair of 18th-century mapmaking.
   • Latitude and Longitude: The map includes clear latitude and longitude markers, enhancing its utility for navigation.
   • Ornamental Features: Decorative elements such as compass roses and scale bars add visual appeal while providing functional tools for users.
4. Historical Context:
   This map represents a period of intense European interest in Africa’s eastern coastline, driven by the lucrative Indian Ocean trade. The map’s detailed annotations and precise measurements reflect the French ambition to compete with Portuguese and Dutch dominance in the region.
5. Importance for Maritime Trade:
   • The map served as a critical guide for sailors navigating the Indian Ocean and the eastern African coast. It would have been used by traders, explorers, and naval fleets to safely traverse this vital maritime corridor.
   • The inclusion of ports and trading centres underscores the economic and strategic significance of the region during the 18th century.
6. Bellin’s Cartographic Expertise:
   Jacques-Nicolas Bellin, the creator of this map, was a prominent figure in marine cartography. His works were celebrated for their accuracy and clarity, making them indispensable for navigators of the time. This map exemplifies his commitment to precise mapping and his ability to synthesize information from various sources.

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.

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