CARTE GÉNÉRALE DE L’EMPIRE RUSSES EN EUROPE ET EN ASIE DRESSÉE D’APRÈS LES CARTES DE L’ATLAS RUSSIEN – PLATE 15 & PLATE 16

Cartographer: Gilles & Robert de Vaugondy
Publisher: Delamarche, France
Price: £195 (post-free in the UK)
Publication Date: 1753
Edition: 1st edition
Format: Copper engravings
Condition: In good condition, unframed
Sheet Size: 56.5cm x 77.5cm

Condition:

Two maps: Each Sheet Size: 77.5cm x 56.5cm. Original fold lines. Contemporary hand-colouring. Age-spots, age-toning, minor staining, wear and minor foxing to the plates with a couploe of short closed tears to the margins. Reverse is blank with age toning, . In good condition overall.

Location: Map Drawer C: FS: Folder M2000 002560

Gilles & Robert de Vaugondy: Atlas Russien : A Short Account

The “Atlas Russien” by Gilles and Didier Robert de Vaugondy is a remarkable 18th-century cartographic work focusing on the vast territories of the Russian Empire across Europe and Asia. Drawing extensively from the authoritative “Atlas Russicus,” published by Russian cartographers, this atlas reflects the Vaugondys’ dedication to scientific precision, artistry, and their collaboration with international sources.

Historical Context

During the 18th century, the Russian Empire was undergoing significant territorial expansion under rulers like Peter the Great and Catherine the Great. This period saw a growing European interest in Russia’s geography, economy, and strategic importance. The Vaugondys, renowned French cartographers, sought to synthesise Russian and European geographical knowledge into an atlas that would appeal to scholars, diplomats, and travellers.

Features of the Atlas

1. Geographic Coverage:
   • The atlas meticulously charts the entirety of the Russian Empire, encompassing:
     • European Russia: Detailed depictions of cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg, the Volga River system, and the Ural Mountains.
     • Asian Russia: Extensive coverage of Siberia, the Arctic coastlines, and the Far East, including the Pacific regions.
     • Neighbouring Territories: Clear delineations of borders with neighbouring empires, including the Ottoman Empire, Persia, and China.
2. Data Sources:
   • The maps were based on the “Atlas Russicus” and other Russian cartographic efforts, ensuring accuracy in depicting the empire’s vast and diverse landscapes.
   • The Vaugondys integrated European cartographic methods, combining Russian local expertise with French engraving standards.
3. Design and Presentation:
   • Projection: Maps use contemporary techniques for projecting large territories, balancing the need for accuracy with visual clarity.
   • Artistic Cartouches: Elaborate decorative cartouches adorn the maps, featuring allegorical imagery such as imperial symbols, explorers, and natural motifs that highlight the grandeur of the Russian Empire.
   • Topographical Detail: Mountains, rivers, forests, and plains are rendered with precision, while settlements and trade routes are clearly marked.
4. Political and Administrative Insights:
   • The maps highlight administrative divisions within the empire, reflecting its complex governance structure.
   • They also mark key trade routes, military outposts, and resource-rich areas, underscoring the economic and strategic significance of various regions.

Purpose and Audience

The “Atlas Russien” catered to a European audience eager to understand the Russian Empire’s geography and political structure. Its detailed maps were invaluable to:

• Diplomats: Offering insights into the empire’s territorial extent and strategic interests.
• Merchants and Travellers: Providing practical information on routes and trade hubs.
• Scholars and Historians: Serving as a reference for studying the empire’s cultural and geographical diversity.

Legacy

The “Atlas Russien” by G. R. Vaugondy stands as a testament to 18th-century cartographic collaboration and the growing interconnectedness of geographic knowledge. It represents a blend of Russian and European cartographic traditions, preserving a detailed snapshot of the Russian Empire at a time of rapid expansion and transformation. Today, it is valued by historians and collectors for its historical significance, aesthetic beauty, and meticulous craftsmanship.

Gilles & Robert de Vaugondy: A Short Biography

Gilles Robert de Vaugondy (1688–1766) and Didier Robert de Vaugondy (1723–1786) were prominent French cartographers of the 18th century, celebrated for their contributions to geographic knowledge and the artistry of their maps. As a father-and-son team, they created some of the most detailed and aesthetically pleasing maps and atlases of their time, blending scientific precision with artistic elegance.

Early Life and Background

• Gilles Robert de Vaugondy was born into a family of cartographers. His father, Nicolas Sanson, was considered one of the founders of French cartography, and Gilles inherited this legacy.
• Didier Robert de Vaugondy, Gilles’s son, was deeply involved in his father’s work from a young age, eventually taking an active role in their cartographic projects.

Professional Achievements

1. Atlas Universel (1757):
   • One of their most famous works, the Atlas Universel, was a comprehensive collection of maps that covered the known world.
   • This atlas stood out for its accuracy and detail, as it incorporated the latest geographic discoveries and information from explorers, diplomats, and scientists.
   • The maps in the Atlas Universel were notable for their artistic flourishes, including elaborate cartouches and fine engraving.
2. Collaboration with the Académie des Sciences:
   • The Vaugondys collaborated with the French Academy of Sciences, ensuring that their maps were grounded in the most reliable data of the time.
   • They integrated new information from explorers and scientists, reflecting the Enlightenment era’s emphasis on knowledge and empirical accuracy.
3. Russian Atlas:
   • The Vaugondys worked with Russian sources to produce maps of the Russian Empire, such as the “Carte Générale de l’Empire des Russes en Europe et en Asie.” These maps were based on the Atlas Russicus, highlighting their ability to synthesise diverse sources.
4. Pedagogical Contributions:
   • The Vaugondys created maps for educational purposes, making geographic knowledge more accessible to the broader public.
   • Their works were used in schools and universities, helping to shape the study of geography in France and beyond.

Style and Innovations

• Scientific Precision: The Vaugondys’ maps were grounded in the latest geographic knowledge, using astronomical observations to improve accuracy.
• Artistic Elegance: Their maps were richly detailed and often featured decorative elements such as ornate cartouches, which reflected the Rococo style popular in the 18th century.
• Engraving Techniques: They employed advanced engraving methods, ensuring clarity and precision in their work.

Legacy and Influence

• The Robert de Vaugondys are considered among the most important cartographers of their time. Their maps were highly regarded for both their accuracy and artistic beauty.
• Their work reflected the spirit of the Enlightenment, blending scientific inquiry with a commitment to artistic excellence.
• The Atlas Universel remains a significant artefact, sought after by historians, collectors, and cartographic enthusiasts.

Personal and Later Life

• Gilles Robert de Vaugondy passed away in 1766, leaving a legacy of cartographic innovation and a reputation as one of the finest mapmakers of his era.
• Didier Robert de Vaugondy continued the family tradition until his death in 1786, further enhancing the reputation of the Vaugondy name.

Their maps remain a testament to the combination of science, art, and the intellectual curiosity that defined the 18th century.

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