This copy is copyright protected.
Copyright © 2024 Geographicus Rare Antique Maps
1777 Desnos / Deharme Wall Map of Paris, France
Paris-deharme-1777$7,500.00
Title
Plan de la Ville et Fauxbourgs de Paris Divise en 20 Quartiers dont la plus grande partie a ete rectifee d'apres differens desseins leve Geometrique, tires du Cabinet de Mr. Cevalier de * * * *... Dedie aux Citoyens de la Capitale Par... Desnos... 1777.
1777 (dated) 58.5 x 68.5 in (148.59 x 173.99 cm) 1 : 4200
1777 (dated) 58.5 x 68.5 in (148.59 x 173.99 cm) 1 : 4200
Description
This is a spectacular 1777 large-scale map of Paris by Louis-François Deharme, published by Louis Charles Desnos. The map captures Paris during the reign of Louis XV, a period of growing unrest and inter-class resentment that would ultimately culminate in the French Revolution (1789 - 1799).
The map is not new survey work; rather, Deharme based the maps on the 1728 survey of Lazarite priest Jean Delagrive. That is not to say it is out of date; the map was revised and updated by Deharme to conform to Paris' most recent urban developments. Deharme's reconsideration of Delagrive's work was significant enough for the first issue of this map to earn him the coveted position of Topograph du Roi. Likewise, the present 1777 example was extensively revised by Desnos, particularly regarding developments northwest of the Chemin du Rempart, near the Arsenal promenade, south of the École Militare, and in the Porcherons.
A Closer Look
The map divides Paris into 20 quartiers, keyed and identified in the lower left. The massive scale allows for a wealth of detail, both via a coding system and directly on the map itself. Letter and symbol coding identifies abbeys, barriers, fountains, passages, mailboxes, messenger services, and roulier stations (freight depots). Streets throughout are named, typically via text directly on the map. The outlines of major structures, specifically churches, gardens, palaces, and administrative buildings, give the map a nearly three-dimensional quality. The map was printed to some 35 sheets, which here have been joined, then dissected and laid down on linen.The map is not new survey work; rather, Deharme based the maps on the 1728 survey of Lazarite priest Jean Delagrive. That is not to say it is out of date; the map was revised and updated by Deharme to conform to Paris' most recent urban developments. Deharme's reconsideration of Delagrive's work was significant enough for the first issue of this map to earn him the coveted position of Topograph du Roi. Likewise, the present 1777 example was extensively revised by Desnos, particularly regarding developments northwest of the Chemin du Rempart, near the Arsenal promenade, south of the École Militare, and in the Porcherons.
Publication History and Census
This map was first issued from Deharme's survey in 1762. The decorative cartouche was drawn and engraved by Charles Monnet. The lettering is the work of Petit. Louis Charles Desnos took over printing in 1768, and issued this edition in 1777. Jean Boutier identifies 10 states of this important map, ranging from the first issue in 1762 to a final state in 1795, an extended print run that underscores this map's enduring significance and relevancy. In its various states, this map is well represented institutionally, but we see only one example in OCLC of the 1777 edition, located at the Newberry Library.CartographerS
Louis Charles Desnos (1725 - April 18, 1805) was an important 18th century instrument maker, cartographer and globe maker based in Paris, France. Desnos was born in Pont-Sainte-Maxence, Oise, France, the son of a cloth merchant. From April of 1745 he apprenticed at a metal foundry. Desnos married the widow of Nicolas Hardy, sone of the map, globe, and instrument seller Jacques Hardy. Desnos held the coveted position of Royal Globemaker to the King of Denmark, Christian VII, for which he received a stipend of 500 Livres annually. In return Desnos sent the King roughly 200 Livres worth of maps, books and atlases each year. As a publisher, Desnos produced a substantial corpus of work and is often associated with Zannoni and Louis Brion de la Tour (1756-1823). Despite or perhaps because of the sheer quantity of maps Desnos published he acquired a poor reputation among serious cartographic experts, who considered him undiscerning and unscrupulous regarding what he would and would not publish. Desnos consequently had a long history of legal battles with other Parisian cartographers and publishers of the period. It is said that he published everything set before him without regard to accuracy, veracity, or copyright law. Desnos maintained offices on Rue St. Jacques, Paris. More by this mapmaker...
Louis-François Deharme (17?? - 17??) was a French cartographer active in the middle to late 18th century. He held the prestigious position of Geograph de Roy under Louis XV (1710 - 1774). Learn More...
Jean Delagrive (1689 - April 18, 1757), a.k.a 'de La Grive', was a French Lazarist priest, geographer, engraver, and geometrist active in Paris in the first half of the 18th century. Delagrive was born in Sedan, Ardennes, France. After initial studies in the Ardennes, he came to Paris and entered the congregation of the Mission or congregation of the priests of Saint-Lazare. In 1713, after being ordained, he was sent to Krakow, Poland, to teach theology. He returned to Paris in 1714 and thenceforth dedicated himself to the study of geometry and cartography. His first plan of Paris was produced in 1718, but being a perfectionist, he was unsatisfied with the product and destroyed the plates. He published a second map of Paris in 1728, which earned him the post of official geographer of the city of Paris. The plan was definitive for its geometrical precision and accuracy. He continued to publish works on Paris, its environs, Versailles, and the course of the Seine until about 1745. In 1733, he assisted César-François Cassini in measuring of the meridian of the Paris Observatory. It is also one of his maps that first presents the name Champs-Élysées. Within the order of Saint-Lazare, he attained the status of Abbot and is often referred to as Abbé Delagrive. Delagrive died in 1757. Learn More...
Condition
Very good. Some fold wear. A few discoloration in the westernmost panel near the Seine. Dissected and laid down on linen in 24 panels. Original linen stable.
References
Boutier, J., Les Plans de Paris, 272:F. OCLC 944197134.