- Title: Mappe Monde, Contenant les Parties Connues du Globe Terrestre
- Author: Jean Janvier and S. G. Longchamps
- Date: 1754, Paris
- Condition: See description
- Inches: 58.25 x 47
- Centimeters: 147.95 x 119.38
- Product ID: 308308
Exquisite World Map Narrating the Tale of Creation
Elaborately engraved double-hemisphere wall map of the world, engraved on 2 sheets, surrounded by elaborate borders on 6 sheets. General title cartouche upper center, separate title banderoles above each hemisphere, celestial hemispheres and armillary sphere below, decorative border with 17 pictorial vignettes showing scenes from the Book of Genesis; the Creation story, Noah's Ark, the Tower of Babel, and the origins of the Arts, Architecture, and Agriculture. The map could originally be purchased with or without borders. All examples are rare, those with borders especially so.
The Cartography
Gobert-Denis Chambon engraved this copper map based on Guillaume De L'Isle's work. This is the second state, published in 1754 by Jean Janvier and S.G. Longchamps. The tracks of Magellan, Vasco da Gama, and Francis Drake are shown. The map is particularly noteworthy for two key features: it labels the Sea of Japan as "Mer de Corée" (Sea of Korea), and it depicts the "Mer de L'Ouest" (Sea of the West), a vast imaginary sea comparable in size to the Mediterranean, extending from the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The map portrays Australia and New Zealand in a typical post-Tasman style. However, Janvier deviates from the common practice of other French cartographers of the time by not connecting New Guinea to Tasmania with a speculative coastline. Instead, he leaves these unexplored areas blank.
The map also highlights early Dutch discoveries in Australia and New Zealand, along with other recent global explorations, demonstrating the cartographic precision and intellectual curiosity characteristic of mid-18th century European mapmaking. This cartographic work represents a fascinating snapshot of geographical knowledge during a period of rapid exploration and expanding global understanding, where imagination and empirical observation were constantly negotiating the boundaries of known and unknown territories.
Art Meets Science
The map unfolds into two hemispheres, with Hercules supporting the Eastern Hemisphere adorned with the Nemean Lion's skin, and Atlas carrying the Western Hemisphere. Cherubic figures hold title ribbons at the top, while the bottom left displays the starry sky of the Northern Hemisphere, and the bottom right showcases the Southern Hemisphere's celestial panorama. In the center, an armillary sphere portrays the celestial sphere with the main tropics, along with depictions of both the Ptolemaic geocentric and Copernican solar system models.
Beneath the hemispheres, the history of geography unfolds, ranging from ancient times to Claudius Ptolomeus and progressing through 'modern' history with luminaries like Abraham Ortelius and the renowned world projection by Gerard Mercator, concluding with Nicolas Sanson. The narrative, of course, emphasizes the French contributions to perfecting geography.
Framing the map is the Biblical account of Creation: God's division of light and darkness on the first day, the creation of the firmament and separation of waters on the second day, the emergence of dry land and vegetation on the third day, and the establishment of the celestial bodies on the fourth day. The fifth and sixth days witness the creation of aquatic and aerial life, followed by the formation of land animals and, ultimately, humans in God's image.
The text then transitions to the aftermath of Creation, with Adam and Eve succumbing to temptation, covering themselves with fig leaves, and being expelled from the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve go on to experience the challenges of earthly life, marked by the birth of Cain and Abel. Cain's jealousy leads to the tragic murder of Abel, serving as a cautionary tale against sin. The narrative extends to the building of the first city by Cain, illustrating humanity's quest for shelter and comfort. Tools, instruments, and artistic pursuits emerge, culminating in the opulence we witness today. However, the story takes a somber turn as God observes the wickedness of humanity on Earth.
This remarkable map not only serves as a geographical masterpiece but also unfolds a rich narrative encompassing the origins of the world, human civilization, and the consequences of choices made.
States and Editions
Four states of this map are known.
- The first state is dated 1751, no borders
- Second state dated 1754. Under the title, engraved by Chambon. Lower left, A PARIS, ches les Sieurs Longchamps et Janvier, Geographes, rue St Jacques a l'Enseigne de la place des Victoires. This state and later states are found surrounded by borders with biblical vignettes.
- Third state dated 1788. Now chez Mondhare and Jean.
- Fourth state dated An 8 (1799-1800). Now Paris Chez Jean rue Jean de Beauvois.
Background on Creators
Janviers and Longchamps both sold maps from the Rue St. Jacques in Paris and came together around 1751 to collaborate in the expensive production of wall maps for the wealthy. One of their first collaborations was Le Royaume de France, published in 1751. The present wall map, along with the four continents, appears to have been the culmination of their partnership. Certainly, the expenses of such a production might have tested both parties and it is interesting that Janvier went on to issue the American wall map without borders by himself in 1772 and 1788, suggesting that the plates were divided between the two parties. Both Janvier and Longchamps later assisted Rigobert Bonne with the Atlas Moderne, (1762-71). The two mapmakers continued the tradition of the publication of wall maps in France started by Nolin in the late 17th century. It is likely that Jean-Baptiste Nolin II (1680-1762), who also worked in the Rue St. Jacques, encouraged Janvier and Longchamps in their ambitious endeavors.
Rarity
Rare, not in the British Library, not in Library of Congress. One institutionally held, University of Bern, Switzerland.
Condition
Full contemporary color throughout, laid on modern canvas. Some paper thinning and fraying with occasional paper loss, creasing and tears, all skillfully restored. Scattered missing text and border décor subtly reinstated in manuscript in several vignettes.
