de Vaugondy

This handsome map was compiled by Gilles Robert de Vaugondy (1688-1766), also known as Le Sieur or Monsieur Robert, and his son, Didier Robert de Vaugondy (c.1723-1786), leading mapmakers in France during the 18th century. It was published in their Atlas Universel, Paris, 1757, one of the first atlases based on scientific surveys, in the tradition of Jean Baptiste Bourguignon d’Anville and Guillaume de l’Isle.  The ´Atlas Universal´ was one of the first atlases based upon actual surveys. Therefore, this map is highly accurate (for the period) and has most contemporary town names correct.

This large and detailed map shows the central and southern part of Spain, including areas such as Madrid, Toledo, Sevilla, Cadiz, Granada, Malaga, Alicante and Valencia.  Its full title is “Partie Meridionale des Etats de Castille, ou se trouvent la Castille Nlle., l’Estremadure, l’Andalousie, les Royaumes de Grenade et de Murcie; et partie des Etats d’Aagon, qui contient le Royaume de Valence”. The map renders the entire region in extraordinary detail offering both topographical and political information with forest and mountains beautifully rendered in profile. A beautifully engraved title cartouche in included in the bottom right quadrant.