Carte des Isles Philippines (1e feuille)

Description

hand-coloured copper engraving.

Map from ‘Histoire Generale des Voyages’ , no. 3, vol. 10 in 4, p. 376; vol.4 in 8, p. 285. Based on Father Murillo de Velarde’s map, the ‘Mother of all ‘Philippine Maps.

Jacques-Nicolas Bellin (1703-1772) was among the most important and prolific mapmakers of the 18th Century. During his term, the Depot became the centre for the publication of sea charts, such as the ‘Neptune François’ and the ‘Atlas Maritime’ and the ‘Hydrographie Francaise’, popular well into the next Century. In 1721, at age 18, he became hydrographer to the French Navy and 20 years later, the First Ingénieur de la Marine of the French Hydrographic Office and Official Hydrographer of the French King.