1795 Vaugondy Map of Africa
|
Description: An important an unusual c. 1795 folding pocket map of Africa by Robert de Vaugondy. Vaugondy frist issued this map in 1749 and it went through at least seven states with editions appearing as late as 1810. Issued on the cusp of Europe’s great wave of exploration into the interior of Africa, Vaugondy loosely based this map on the earlier work of De L’Isle and Sanson with updates to comply with the most recent cartographic information coming into Paris. The map offers impressive detail of the largely unexplored interior, featuring the names of various tribal groups and indigenous empires throughout, while at the same time, studiously avoiding presumption regarding the general geography of the interior. The well mapped coastline is consistent with earlier maps of the region, though the projection has been slightly corrected. The known lands, most explored by missionaries and early colonists, of Mediterranean Africa, Egypt, Abyssinia, Morocco, the Niger Delta, and South Africa and the Congo, are mapped according to convention with a few minor updates. The interior is largely blank of geographical features. Vaugondy abandons the tradition of filling the blanks with speculative mappings of the White Nile, the Niger, and the Mountains of the Moon. Rather he focuses on known missionary reports containing both first hand evidence of the interior and second hand information gleaned from the African indigeni. These include an embryonic mapping of Lake Malawi, with the note (in translation) that reads, 'It is claimed that his lake extends far to the north.' Thus are Europeans beginning to understand the Rift Valley and anticipate some of the greater lakes soon to be discovered further north, including Nyasa and Victoria. To the right of the map proper a table offers a breakdown of the religious, people, islands, and cultures of Africa. As stated, this map went through numerous states, both under Vaugondy directly and by his successors, Fortin, and Delamarche. Most of the changes in later editions focuses on the cartouche work and titling and had little to do with the map itself.
Date: 1795 (dated)
References: Afriterra 875 (1749 edition). Pedley, M. S., Bel et utile: The World of Robert de Vaugondy Family of Mapmakrs, #424. Tooley, R. V., Collector's Guide to Maps of the African Continent and Southern Africa, pp 93-94.
Cartographer: Gilles (1688 - 1766) and Didier (c. 1723 - 1786) Robert de Vaugondy were map publishers, engravers, and cartographers active in Paris during the mid-18th century. The father and son team are descended from the important Sanson cartographic firm, from whom they inherited much of their initial material. The Vaugondys were well respected for the detail and accuracy of their maps. They were known for making excellent use of the considerable resources available in 18th century Paris to produce the most accurate and fantasy-free maps possible. The Vaugondys compiled their maps based upon their own superior geographic knowledge, scholarly research, the journals of contemporary explorers and missionaries, and direct astronomical observation. Many Vaugondy maps are also highly praised for their title cartouches, which identify each of the sources referenced - an unusual level of scholar decorum for 18th century France. Their most important work is the beautifully produced Atlas Universel. Click here for a list of rare maps by Gilles and Didier Robert de Vaugondy.
Size: Printed area measures 27 x 20 inches (68.58 x 50.8 centimeters)
Condition: Very good. Original centerfold exhibits some wear. Minor spotting lower right quadrant. Minor water stains, mostly to margins, at top and bottom of map - see image.
Code: Afrique-vaugondy-1793 (to order by phone call: 646-320-8650)
|
