Die Engelsburg. - Ch. St. Ange.

Article description

Original antique hand-colored copper engraving, from Mallet's 'Description de l'Univers', published in Frankfurt, 1719. Depicting Rome & Latium, this map is a fine example of 1710s European cartography. Image: 150 by 110mm (6 by 4 inches). An attractive and historically significant 18th-century map for the discerning collector. Allain Manesson Mallet (1630–1706) was a French military engineer, cartographer, and author in the service of Louis XIV of France. His encyclopaedic 'Description de l'Univers' (1683) was among the most popular geographic works of the late 17th century, combining maps, city views, and portraits of costumes and peoples from around the world. Published in Paris and later in a German edition in Frankfurt (1719), the work was richly illustrated with small but finely engraved copper plates. Mallet's views and maps are remarkable for combining geographic accuracy with ethnographic illustration, capturing the visual culture of early modern Europe and beyond. They are a delight for collectors of both cartography and costume history. Decorative view of the Angel's fortress in Rome. A fine example from Description de l'Univers, Frankfurt, sought after by collectors of antique maps of Italy, antique maps of Rome, and antique hand-colored copper engravings for sale. In very good condition. Light age-toning to the sheet, as expected for a 18th-century map.

Mallet, Allain – Rome & Latium · Copper Engraving, Hand Colored · Description de l'Univers, Frankfurt · 1719