Antique Print-PUERTO RICO-SANTO DOMINGO-BAHAMAS-Scaltaglia-Bonne-c. 1780

Subject: Antique print, titled: 'L'Isle De St. Domingue, et celle De Porto-Rico.' - Detailed map of Santa Domingo, Puerto Rico, etc. Includes substantial topographical detail. Includes Eastern Bahamas.

Condition: Good, given age. Slight discolouration near middle fold. Small crease top right margin. Some miniscule unobtrusive wormholes in the lower margin, and two tiny pinholes beside the middle fold in the center of the sheet. Original middle fold as issued. A crease in the lower left margin corner. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.

Medium: Copperplate engraving / etching. on hand laid paper. Watermark: Crowned coat of arms with monogram G.B.R. Real. (North-Italian, probably Venice region), first quarter 19th century.

Size (in cm): The overall size is ca. 38.4 x 29 cm. The image size is ca. 35 x 23 cm.

Size (in inch): The overall size is ca. 15.1 x 11.4 inch. The image size is ca. 13.8 x 9.1 inch.

Part Number: 57896

Location: BG-A1-28

Description: From "Atlas de Toutes les Parties Connues du Globe Terrestre"

Artists and Engravers: Made by 'Rigobert Bonne' after an anonymous artist. 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.