1773 Bellin Map of the Cape of Good Hope, Capetown, South Africa

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Title:    Carte de la Baye de la Table et Rade du Cap de Bonne Experance Dressee sur Divers Manuscrits par N. B. Ing" De la Marine. / Kaart der Tavelbaai en Ree van Kaap de Goede Hoop, Geschikt op verscheide Handschriften, door N.B. Ingenr. Des Franssen Zeevaards.

Description:    This map is a c. 1773 map of the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Town, South Africa. Attributed to French cartographer Jacques-Nicholas Bellin, this map was issued for the Dutch edition of Provost’s Histoire des Voyages…. Beautifully rendered mountains and villages show the area in considerable detail. Shows the “Village of the Hottentots”, Blue Mountain, Cow Mountain, Table Mountain, The City of Cape Town itself, Tigerbergen, and many other features. Some oceanic depths are indicated. Of interest is also the Isle of Robben, located centrally on the map. Long a place of exile and punishment, this island prison had a reputation for brutality and cruelty. Today a museum honors the site of so much suffering. The Dutch edition of this map is coveted as it was printed on heavier stock and to superior standards compared to most other editions. The actual printing of this edition differs from other editions in the addition of a Dutch title at the bottom of the map and in the addition of Dutch place names. Engraved by Schley.

Date:    1773 (undated)

Source:    Dutch edition of Provost's L'Histoire Generale des Voyages

References:    Tooley, R.V. Map Collectors Circle, 6, #22.

Cartographer:    Jacques-Nicolas Bellin (1703 - 1772) is one of the most important cartographers of the 18th century. With a career spanning some 50 years, Bellin is an important transitional cartographer. His long career as "hydrographer" and "Ingénieur Hydrographe" to the Dépôt des cartes et plans de la Marine resulted in the completion of hundreds of high quality nautical charts of practically everywhere in the world. Bellin's work focuses on accuracy and tends to be less decorative than the earlier 17th and 18th century work of predecessors such as Homann. In addition to numerous works published during his lifetime, many of his maps were published posthumously. He was succeeded in his position by student Rigobert Bonne. Click here for a list of rare maps from Jacques-Nicolas Bellin.

Cartographer:    Jacob Van der Schley (1715 - 1779) was a prominent Dutch engraver and draftsman based out of Amsterdam. Schley apprenticed under portrait engraver Bernard Picart, whose style he imitated. He is said to have completed several of Picart's portraits following his master's death. While Schley is primarily known for his work as a portraitist and illustrator, he also has a considerable cartographic corpus. He is known to have worked with Bellin, Hondt, and Provost, among others. Click here for a list of rare maps from Jacob Van der Schley.

Size:   Printed area measures 7 x 9 inches (17.78 x 22.86 centimeters)

Condition:    Very good condition. Minor toning. Else fine. Pressmark visible. Blank on verso. Printed on heavy stock.

Code:   GoedeHoop-bellin-1773 (Necessary for phone inquiries: 646-320-8650)