Attractive Antique Map by Cartographer Nicolas Sanson. France, 1693. Perfect Condition

Attractive Antique Map by Cartographer Nicolas Sanson. France, 1693. Perfect Condition

Beautiful original 17th-century map created by the prestigious cartographer and historian Nicolas Sanson in 1693. Sanson worked for the French Crown, specifically for King Louis XIII, and this map dates from that period. The engraving is very well preserved and retains its original coloring. It depicts the Diocese of Münster-a city in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia-along with the County of Benthem. The work is truly beautiful, with vibrant colors that make it a highly decorative piece.

Nicolas Sanson (1600-1667) was a geography teacher to Kings Louis XIII and Louis XIV, later serving as foreign minister under the former monarch. His career as a cartographer began in 1627, when he published his first major map: *Postes de France*. Sanson worked with famous engraving publishers of the time, including Melchior Tavernier, H. Iallot (who would publish the map shown in the images), and Pierre Mariette, with whom he would later form a partnership. Upon his death, his sons continued his work as cartographers in the service of the French Crown.

The map is framed with a striking yellow-toned border. In the lower left corner, we can see the reference scales as well as the beautiful cartouche bearing the name of the territory depicted (BASSE PARTE DE LE EVESCHÉ DE MUNSTER ET LE COMTÉ DE BENTHEM), the names of the cartographer and the publisher, the city (Paris), and the date of publication: 1693. This information is inscribed within a beautiful coat of arms formed by scrolls in various shades of blue, crowned by a vessel containing fruit and leaves. The title cartouche, like the coat of arms with the scales, stands out for its vibrant colors.

Lovers of antique maps will find in this engraving by N. Sanson a unique, original 16th-century piece in excellent condition.

Dimensions: Paper: Width: 77 cm. Height: 52 cm. Engraving: Width: 53.3 cm. Height: 43.3 cm.