Anjouan Island, Comoros – French Naval Sea Chart by Bellin, c.1765

1758 Bellin Map of Guadeloupe and Marie-Galante – Caribbean Islands Original antique map titled Carte de l’Isle de la Guadeloupe by Jacques Nicolas Bellin, engraved for the *Histoire Générale des Voyages*, published in Paris in 1758. This finely engraved copperplate map depicts the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, showing its distinctive butterfly-shaped division into Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre. The surrounding smaller islands include Marie-Galante (bottom right) and Les Saintes. The map details numerous place names, parishes, rivers, bays, mountains, and anchorages. A decorative rococo title cartouche graces the upper right corner, complemented by a scale bar cartouche in the upper left. Jacques Nicolas Bellin (1703-1772) served as Hydrographer to the King and was one of the most prominent French cartographers of the 18th century, producing maps noted for their accuracy, elegance, and clarity. This map was created for the influential *Histoire Générale des Voyages* by Abbé Prévost. Condition report: Excellent condition. Strong and clean impression on fine laid paper with wide margins. Original hand coloring in outline and wash, highlighting coastlines and cartouches. Minor age toning at edges; verso blank. Framing suggestion: Frame with a classic gold or dark wood moulding and a neutral cream archival mat to emphasize the fine engraving and delicate color washes. Museum glass is recommended to preserve this 18th-century Caribbean map...

Mozambique Bay – French Naval Sea Chart by Bellin, c.1765 This detailed French sea chart depicts the Bay of Mozambique and the strategically vital island settlement of Mozambique, s...

Antique map titled ‘Carte de L’Isle D’Anjouan’. Original antique map of Anjouan, also known as Ndzuwani or Nzwani, or, historically, as Johanna, an autonomous island in the Indian Oc...

Map of Martinique by Rigobert Bonne, circa 1768 This is a detailed antique map of Martinique titled “Isle de la Martinique,” engraved by Rigobert Bonne around 1768 for the Atlas Encyclopédique. Bonne, a renowned French hydrographer and successor to Bellin, is celebrated for his scientifically precise and elegantly engraved maps. The map shows Martinique with its mountainous interior, rivers, and settlements labelled, including Fort Royal, Fort St. Pierre, Le Marin, and Le Prêcheur. Coastal features, bays, and capes are marked, along with anchorages important for maritime navigation in the 18th century. The depiction includes relief shown pictorially, characteristic of Bonne’s cartographic style, enhancing both geographic understanding and aesthetic appeal. This copperplate engraving retains original hand colouring outlining the coastlines in delicate blue and brown tones, typical for the period. It served as a key reference for scholars, navigators, and colonial administrators during France’s colonial presence in the Caribbean. Condition: Good condition overall. A strong impression with bright, original hand-colour outlines. General age toning, faint offsetting, and a vertical fold as issued in the atlas. Margins ample all around for framing. Framing suggestions: This historic Caribbean map...

This beautiful 18th century hand-colored copper plate engraved map is entitled "Carte de l'Isle de Taiti, par le Lieutenant J. Cook" was created by Jacques Nicolas Bellin and publish...

Jacques Bellin's copper-plate map of the Caribbean island of Saint Kitts entitled "Carte De De l'Isle St. Christophe Pour servir á l'Histoire Genle. des V...

Jacques Bellin's copper-plate map of the Caribbean island of Saint Kitts entitled "Carte De De l'Isle St. Christophe Pour servir á l'Histoire Genle. des V...

This is a Jacques Bellin copper-plate map entitled "Partie de la Coste de Guinee Dupuis la Riviere de Sierra Leona Jusquau Cap das Palmas", depicting the coast of Guinea and Sierra L...