PARTIE DE L’AMÉRIQUE SEPTENT? QUI COMPREND LA NOUVELLE FRANCE OU LE CANADA

Publisher: Gilles Robert De Vaugondy
Price: £45
Publication Date: 1755
Edition: Not stated
Format: Copper engraving
Condition: In good condition, unframed
Sheet Size: 69.4cm x 52.8cm

Condition:

Original central fold line with original or very early hand-colouring. Age-spots. Age-toning to the paper and staining to the lower margin. Reverse is blank with age toning and marks. Professionally restored to the reverse to the lower margin which does affect the map. Repairs to the margins. A good only copy of this important map which was one of the first to use the current names of the five great lakes.

Location: Map Drawer C: FS: Folder M2000 002549

This detailed 18th-century map, crafted by the renowned French cartographer Gilles Robert de Vaugondy in 1755, provides a detailed representation of the northern regions of the Americas, specifically highlighting Nouvelle-France (New France) and the expansive territories of Canada during the period.

Key Features:

1. Geographical Coverage:
   • The map illustrates a vast expanse of North America, showcasing the prominent territories of Nouvelle-France, including parts of present-day Canada and the United States.
   • The depiction of major rivers, such as the St. Lawrence and Mississippi, demonstrates their importance as transportation and trade routes during the era.
   • The map includes Indigenous territories and settlements, reflecting the interactions between European colonists and Indigenous peoples.
2. Cartographic Style:
   • Engraved with intricate detail, the map features delicate hachures to depict relief and elevation.
   • Coastal outlines are meticulously drawn, indicating harbours, bays, and significant maritime routes.
   • The use of decorative cartouches adds an artistic element, with embellishments showcasing flora, fauna, and symbols of exploration.
3. Historical Context:
   • Created at a time when European powers vied for dominance in the Americas, the map reflects French claims to significant portions of North America prior to the Treaty of Paris in 1763.
   • It serves as a testament to France’s ambition to establish a vast colonial empire, stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic.
4. Accuracy and Detail:
   • Despite the limitations of 18th-century surveying techniques, Vaugondy’s map offers remarkable accuracy for its time, showcasing settlements, forts, and natural features with precision.
   • The delineation of territories and regions reveals the evolving understanding of North American geography among European cartographers.

This map is not only a functional document of geographical knowledge but also a piece of historical art, reflecting the ambitions, perceptions, and cartographic expertise of 18th-century Europe.

Gilles Robert De Vaugondy: A Short Biography

Gilles Robert de Vaugondy (1688–1766) was a prominent French cartographer and geographer of the 18th century. Born in Paris, he was the grandson of the esteemed cartographer Nicolas Sanson, often regarded as the father of French cartography. This familial connection provided Gilles with access to a wealth of cartographic materials and knowledge, significantly influencing his career.

In 1730, Gilles inherited the cartographic firm of his uncle, Pierre Moullart-Sanson. He expanded the business by acquiring the stock of Hubert Jaillot, another leading French cartographer. This strategic move allowed him to update existing maps with new information, enhancing their accuracy without the need to create entirely new plates. His dedication to precision and detail earned him the title of Geographer to the King in 1730.

Gilles collaborated closely with his son, Didier Robert de Vaugondy (c.1723–1786), also a distinguished cartographer. Together, they produced the “Atlas Universel” in 1757, a monumental work that became one of the most important atlases of the 18th century. To compile this atlas, they integrated older sources with contemporary surveyed maps, verifying and correcting the latitude and longitude of many regions through astronomical observations. This meticulous approach ensured the inclusion of up-to-date information and numerous new place names.

The Vaugondys were known for their rigorous standards in mapmaking. They often subjected maps to astronomical readings to determine accurate latitude and longitude. Unlike many cartographers of their time, they took care to reference their sources, a practice that has greatly benefited the study of cartography’s history. Their maps and terrestrial globes were produced with high precision, employing a complex manufacturing process that involved several specialists.

Gilles often signed his maps as “M. Robert,” while Didier commonly used “Robert de Vaugondy,” sometimes adding “fils” or “filio” to denote his status as the son. This practice can make it challenging to attribute certain works definitively to either Gilles or Didier. Their combined efforts significantly advanced the field of cartography, leaving a lasting legacy in geographical sciences.

Gilles Robert de Vaugondy passed away in 1766, but his contributions, particularly the “Atlas Universel,” continue to be celebrated for their precision and artistry. The Vaugondys’ work exemplifies the Enlightenment era’s dedication to scientific accuracy and exploration.

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