LAsie

Acquired From: Leen Helmink

Colouring: Coloured

Condition: Very Good

Confirmed: No

Date Acquired: 13/10/2023

Dealers ID No.: 19263

Description: Nicolas Sanson, widely regarded as one of the leading French mapmakers of the seventeenth century, played a critical role in establishing France as a leader in European mapmaking, ultimately surpassing the dominance of Dutch mapmakers. nOriginally trained as a historian with a particular interest in the ancient world, Sanson is believed to have turned to cartography as a means of illustrating his historical research. His finely drawn maps gained widespread attention for their accuracy and detail. After moving to Paris, one of his maps caught the attention of King Louis XIII, who appointed him Géographe Ordinaire du Roi (Geographer to the King). This prestigious role not only secured Sanson's reputation but also allowed him tutor the king in geography, further expanding his influence in cartographic and academic circles.nFollowing a brief and ultimately unsuccessful partnership with Melchior Tavernier, a Parisian engraver and map dealer, Sanson began publishing his works independently. His most notable contributions include his quarto atlases of the four continents: Europe (1647), Asia (1652), Africa (1656), and America (1657). These works achieved international recognition, though they were later pirated and republished by the Dutch publisher François Halma in 1683.nAmong the seventeen maps featured in his L'Asie en plusieurs cartes nouvelles et exactes (Pocket Atlas of Asia) are a general map of Asia, as well as detailed maps of Southern Malaysia, Sumatra, Java and Borneo (View Record (#402)), Burma and Thailand (View Record (#403)), and the Moluccas (View Record (#404)). The general map of Asia map spans from Cape York to Egypt, including the Arabian Peninsula and the eastern part of Africa. It also notably includes a significant landmass north of Japan referred to the "Land of Jesso".nThe vibrant colouring and gold embellishments on this map was likely undertaken by Dirk Janszoon van Santen, a renowned colourist and illuminator of the period.

Engraver: de Winter, Antoine (ca.1653-ca.1707)

First published: Sanson, Nicolas L'Asie en plusieurs cartes nouvelles et exactes… Paris: Nicolas Sanson, 1652

Mapmaker: Sanson, Nicolas (1600-1667)

Notes: Purchased with #402, #403, #404

Other states: First 1652

Price: 943

Primary Category: Asia

Purchase Reference: Ledger

Rarity: R2 Very rare – one or two copies appear on the market

Sheet size (cm): 36.5×27

Technique: Copper Engraving

This state: 1653-1660, Dutch

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