1780 Bonne Map of Northern India

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Title:    Carte de la Partie Superieure de L'Inde en Deca du Gange, Comprise entre la Cote du Concan et celle d'Orixa avec l'Empire du Mogol, le Bengale, Le Re. d'Atham, partie du ceux d'Ave et de Pegu.

Description:    A beautiful example of Rigobert Bonne's decorative map of northern India. Covers the northern region of subcontinent from Dabul in the south, to its border with Tibet in the north. Also shows what is modern day Pakistan and Afghanistan in the West, and China in the east. To the east is Bangladesh. Includes a detailed inset showing the area around the mouth of the Ganges with Calcutta in the center. Names a number of important Indian cities and river systems. Rhumb lines appear in nautical zones. Arrows in the lower left and lower right show the direction of prevailing winds during the dry season and the monsoon season. Drawn by R. Bonne c. 1780’s.

Date:    1780 (undated)

Source:    Bonne, R., Atlas de toutes les parties connues du globe terrestre, dressé pour l'Histoire philosophique et politique des établissemens et du commerce des Européens dans les deux Indes, 1780.

References:    Yale University, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, 1974 +227.

Cartographer:    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. Click here for a list of rare maps from Rigobert Bonne.

Size:   Printed area measures 15 x 10.5 inches (38.1 x 26.67 centimeters)

Condition:    Good. Contemporary color. Original centerfold. Blank on verso.

Code:   IndiaNorth-bonne-1780 (Necessary for phone inquiries: 646-320-8650)