HONGRIE (HUNGARY) – ORIGINAL COPPER ENGRAVED MAP

Cartographer: Nicolas Sanson
Publisher: John Tallis
Price: £85
Publication Date: Not dated but c.1656
Format: Original copper engraving with early hand-colouring
Condition: In very good condition, unframed
Sheet Size: Sheet Size: 31cm x 24.1cm.

Condition:

Pencil date and name to the lower margin which could easily be erased. Minor age-toning, staining, spotting and creasing but generally bright and clean with very good margins. A very good, strong impression. Overall in very good condition. Uncommon.

Description:

Created by the renowned French cartographer Nicolas Sanson in the 17th century. This map is part of Sanson’s broader work in mapping various regions of Europe and the world with a level of detail and accuracy that was ground-breaking for the time.

• Geographical Coverage: The map depicts the Kingdom of Hungary as it existed during the 17th century, which was a significant region within the Habsburg Monarchy. The map covers the territory of present-day Hungary, Slovakia, and parts of Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Austria, reflecting the historical boundaries of the time.
• Cartographic Detail:
  • Political Boundaries: The map accurately delineates the political boundaries of the Kingdom of Hungary, showing its relationship to neighbouring regions and countries, including the Ottoman Empire, which was a significant presence in the region during this period.
  • Topography: The map includes detailed topographical features such as rivers, mountain ranges, and important cities. Key rivers like the Danube and Tisza are prominently featured, along with cities like Buda, Pest, and Pressburg (modern-day Bratislava).
  • Scale and Precision: Sanson was known for his use of accurate scales and attention to geographical detail, which is reflected in the precision of this map.
• Historical Context:
  • Hungary in the 17th Century: During the time this map was created, Hungary was divided between Habsburg-controlled territories and Ottoman-controlled regions. The map provides a historical snapshot of this division, highlighting the geopolitical importance of Hungary in European affairs.
  • Sanson’s Influence: This map is part of Nicolas Sanson’s broader impact on European cartography. His work helped shift the center of mapmaking to France, and his maps were known for their accuracy and scientific approach.
• Artistic and Historical Value:
  • Decorative Features: While Sanson’s maps were primarily valued for their accuracy, they also included decorative elements such as cartouches, which often contained the title and dedication, embellished with artistic designs reflecting the style of the period.

Nicolas Sanson: A Short Biography

Nicolas Sanson (1600–1667) was a prominent French cartographer, often referred to as the “father of French cartography.” He played a pivotal role in the development of modern cartography in France during the 17th century and was instrumental in shifting the centre of European mapmaking from the Low Countries (primarily the Netherlands) to France.

Early Life and Education:

• Birth: Nicolas Sanson was born on December 20, 1600, in Abbeville, Picardy, France.
• Education: Initially educated in history and classical studies, Sanson’s interest in geography and cartography developed early. He began creating maps as a teenager, with his first notable work being a map of ancient Gaul.

Career and Contributions:

• Rise to Prominence: Sanson’s work caught the attention of Cardinal Richelieu, the chief minister of France, who recognized his potential. His detailed and scientifically grounded maps led to his appointment as a royal geographer to King Louis XIII. This position allowed Sanson to gain considerable influence and resources, which he used to further develop his cartographic works.
• Collaboration and Influence: Sanson’s maps were known for their accuracy and detail, a result of his rigorous approach to gathering geographical information. He collaborated with many prominent figures of the time, including Pierre Mariette, a leading publisher, which helped disseminate his work across Europe.
• Shift to French Cartography: Before Sanson, the Netherlands, particularly Amsterdam, was the centre of European mapmaking. Sanson’s success, along with that of other French cartographers, helped establish France as a major centre for cartography, a position it would maintain for the next century.

Major Works:

• Atlases and Maps: Sanson produced numerous maps and atlases covering various parts of the world. Some of his most notable works include:
  • “Carte Générale du Royaume de France” (1634): One of his earliest and most influential maps, which set a new standard for the mapping of France.
  • “L’Afrique en Plusieurs Cartes Nouvelles et Exactes” (1650): A significant work that provided detailed maps of Africa, showing the continent with more accuracy than had previously been achieved.
  • “Atlas Novus”: A collection of maps that covered much of the known world, published in collaboration with other cartographers, including his sons.
• Historical Maps: Sanson also produced historical maps, depicting the world as it was understood in ancient times, which were widely used in educational settings.

Legacy and Impact:

• Teaching and Family Legacy: Sanson’s impact on cartography extended through his family. He taught his sons, Nicolas Sanson II, Adrien Sanson, and Guillaume Sanson, the art of cartography, and they continued his work after his death. His grandson, Pierre Moulard-Sanson, also became a noted cartographer.
• Influence on European Cartography: Sanson’s work influenced many European cartographers who followed him, including the famous Dutch cartographer Willem Blaeu. His emphasis on accuracy, scale, and geographical detail helped lay the foundations for modern cartography.
• Death: Nicolas Sanson died on July 7, 1667, in Paris, but his legacy lived on through his family and the many cartographers who were inspired by his work.

Conclusion:

Nicolas Sanson is remembered as a pioneer in the field of cartography. His contributions helped establish France as a leader in the production of maps and geographical knowledge in the 17th century. His detailed and accurate maps were revolutionary for their time, and they continue to be highly regarded by historians, collectors, and geographers today.

Location: Map Drawer C: FS: Folder 1009: 002294

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