This is a fine example of 17th or early 18th-century cartography, showcasing Southeast Asia, including parts of India, China, and the Gulf of Bengal. The French-labeled map highlights early European understanding of the Orient during the Age of Exploration.
Mounted in a soft cream matting board, the presentation enhances the map’s historical appeal while protecting its delicate condition.
The map features detailed geographical elements such as rivers, coastal lines, and mountain ranges. Regions like Tartarie, the Presqu'Isle de l'Inde, and the Golfe de Bengala are illustrated with early cartographic precision. Subtle hand-coloring highlights borders and coastal areas, adding to its visual charm.
In terms of condition, the map is well-preserved with clean paper with some waterdamage in the top, light toning, intact margins, and no visible tears or damage. The hand-coloring remains vibrant, reflecting careful handling over centuries.
This map provides insight into the evolving European knowledge of Asia and would make a distinguished addition to any collection of antique maps or historical artifacts.
Antique map titled "Partie Orientale de la Terre Ferme de l'Inde Moderne". Original antique map of the northern part of India and the Bengal Gulf. This map originates from Alain Manesson Mallet's 'Description de l 'Univers'. Artists and Engravers: Alain Manesson Mallet (1630?1706) was a French cartographer and engineer. He started his career as a soldier in the army of Louis XIV, became a Sergeant-Major in the artillery and an Inspector of Fortifications. He also served under the King of Portugal, before returning to France, and his appointment to the court of Louis XIV. His military engineering and mathematical background led to his position teaching mathematics at court. His major publications were Description de L'Univers (1683) in 5 volumes, and Les Travaux de Mars ou l'Art de la Guerre (1684) in 3 volumes. His Description de L'Universe contains a wide variety of information, including star maps, maps of the ancient and modern world, and a synopsis of the customs, religion and government of the many nations included in his text. It has been suggested that his background as a teacher led to his being concerned with entertaining his readers. This concern manifested itself in the charming harbor scenes and rural landscapes that he included beneath his description of astronomical concepts and diagrams. Mallet himself drew most of the figures that were engraved for this book.
Artist: Alain Manesson Mallet (1630 - 1706) was a French cartographer and engineer. He started his career as a soldier in the army of Louis XIV, became a Sergeant-Major in the artillery and an Inspector of Fortifications. He also served under the King of Portugal, before returning to France, and his appointment to the court of Louis XIV. His military engineering and mathematical background led to his position teaching mathematics at court. His major publications were Description de L'Univers (1683) in 5 volumes, and Les Travaux de Mars ou l'Art de la Guerre (1684) in 3 volumes. His Description de L'Universe contains a wide variety of information, including star maps, maps of the ancient and modern world, and a synopsis of the customs, religion and government of the many nations included in his text. It has been suggested that his background as a teacher led to his being concerned with entertaining his readers. This concern manifested itself in the charming harbor scenes and rural landscapes that he included beneath his description of astronomical concepts and diagrams. Mallet himself drew most of the figures that were engraved for this book.
Antique prints have long been appreciated for both their aesthetic and investment value. They were the product of engraved, etched or lithographed plates. These plates were handmade out of wood or metal, which required an incredible level of skill, patience and craftsmanship. Whether you have a house with Victorian furniture or more contemporary decor an old engraving can enhance your living space. We offer a wide range of authentic antique prints for any budget.
Bartele Gallery. Original antique maps, sea charts, engravings and works on paper. This is a plain text rendering of a page that is otherwise built in the browser. The catalogue index is at https://www.bartele.net/catalogue and machine readable notes are at https://www.bartele.net/llms.txt.