Carte des Douze Tribus d'Israel.
1783 (undated) 13 x 18.5 in (33.02 x 46.99 cm)
1 : 1030000
A beautiful example of Rigobert Bonne's 1783 map of Israel (Palestine / Holy Land) divided according to the Biblical Twelve Tribes of Israel. Bonne's map covers Palestine / Israel on both sides of the Jordan River from Sidon to Gaza and Zoara and includes parts of adjacent egypt, Arabia, and Syria (including Damascus). The map is divided according to the Twelve Tribes of Israel, but also includes th Satrapies of the Philistines, what is today the Gaza Strip. The biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, as well as the 'Caverns of Lot' and other Biblical sites are identified. The right hand quadrants feature the map's legend as well as a textual analysis of the map in French. An elaborate decorative title cartouche appears in the upper left quadrant features a high priest holding a candelabrum and a Putto playing the harp. Drawn by Rigobert Bonne 1783 for issue as plate no. 10 in Jean Lattre's 1783 final issue of the Atlas Moderne.
Rigobert Bonne (1727-1795 ) was one of the most important cartographers of the late 18th century. In 1773 he succeeded Jacques Bellin as Royal Cartographer to France in the office of the Hydrographer at the Depôt de la Marine. Working in his official capacity Bonne compiled some of the most detailed and accurate maps of the period. Bonne's work represents an important step in the evolution of the cartographic ideology away from the decorative work of the 17th and early 18th century towards a more detail oriented and practical aesthetic. With regard to the rendering of terrain Bonne maps bear many stylistic similarities to those of his predecessor, Bellin. However, Bonne maps generally abandon such common 18th century decorative features such as hand coloring, elaborate decorative cartouches, and compass roses. While mostly focusing on coastal regions, the work of Bonne is highly regarded for its detail, historical importance, and overall aesthetic appeal.
Jean Lattre (fl. 1743 - 1793) was a Paris based bookseller, engraver, and map publisher active in the mid to late 18th century. Lattre published a large corpus of maps, globes, and atlases in conjunction with a number of other important French cartographic figures, including Janvier, Zannoni, Bonne and Delamarche. He is also known to have worked with other European cartographers such as William Faden of London and the Italian cartographer Santini. Map piracy and copyright violations were common in 18th century France. Paris court records indicate that Lattre brought charges against several other period map publishers, including fellow Frenchman Desnos and the Italian map engraver Zannoni, both of whom he accused of copying his work. Lattre's offices and bookshop were located at 20 rue St. Jaques, Paris, France.
Lattre, Jean, Atlas Moderne ou Collection de Cartes sur Toutes les Parties du Globe Terrestre, c. 1783.
Very good condition. Original centerfold. Blank on verso.
Rumsey 2612.080. Phillips (Atlases) 664. National Maritime Museum, 215. British Library, World, col. 384-385 (1762-1785 eds.) Laor, E., Maps of the Holy Land: Cartobibliography of Printed Maps, 1475 - 1900, #120.