1652 Gomboust Map of Paris, France (c. 1900 Taride reissue)

This is a reduction of a plan of Paris originally issued in 1652 by Jacques Gomboust. Gomboust held the position of Ingenieur du Roi and, in that capacity completed a number of important survey's of Paris which eventually evolved into this spectacular map. Oriented to the east, this map covers Paris from the Bastille to the Tuileries Garden and from St. Lazare to the Pont de Fauxbourg de St. Jacques. This is the geometric delineation of Paris and offers numerous decorative elements, including profile views of all significant Paris buildings. Views of the city itself decorate the upper right and left quadrants. The lower right and left quadrants feature dramatic neoclassical pedestals surmounted by baroque armorial crests. The pedestals themselves contain views of fifteen important Parisian buildings. A textual dedication to King Louis XIV appears to the left of the map. On the right hand side of the map, there are notes in French detailing the construction of the map. Surrounded by a decorative vine motif border.

This map is a seminal cartographic masterpiece that bridges the gap between city plans as views and modern maps. All previous map of Paris depicted the city in the form of elevated profile views - thus any looking at the map might recognize this or that building by is well known appearance from the ground. While Gomboust retains this feature with regard to Paris' most important structures, for the most part, he creates a modern map, displaying the city as it would appear from directly above. At the time, this was a very impractical way to depict Paris, for the average person would be incapable of interpreting such a presentation. In viewing such a map, some scholars argue, the typical Parisian embraces the 'King's View' of the city, and thus embraces his authority.

This is the c. 1900 Taride reissue. The original 1652 plan is today unobtainable.