Antiques for Sale > Prints and Maps

M-12639: (Image: 38 1/4 x 24'') ''A New and Exact Map of FRANCE Divided into All its Provinces and Acquisitions...'' London: Hermann Moll, c. 1715.  Engraved two-sheet map with original hand-coloring.  Reference:  Shirley BL Atlases) T. Moll-4a, #14.  Some closed tears/holes or strengthened folds (typical of large Moll maps).

This scarce separately issued historical map depicts France's network of post roads and includes alphabetical tables showing the "Principal Towns of France &c and their Distances in Leagues from Paris." It also lists the 32 "Ports of Passes of the Pyrenean Mountains".  The title cartouche is surmounted by the arms of "France Moderne" (three fleurs-de-lis on an azure field), and supported by the gods Ares and Dionysus, and the goddesses Artemis and Athena.  A fanciful landscape depicts putti harvesting grapes, while a town, a vineyard, and the astronomical observatories at both Greenwich and Paris are visible in the background.  On display in the foreground are objects symbolic of agriculture, industry, exploration, and war.  A beautiful early 18th century map of France!

A Dutch �migr� to London, Moll became the foremost map publisher in England. 

Provenance:  The Goodyear Collection, purchased in London June 1985.