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Description

A Facsinating Mid-18th Century Artifact

Detailed regional map of France, centered on Paris. Extends to Fountainbleau, Mnte, Etampes, Meaux, etc. Highly detailed, with decorative cartouche.

On the verso of the map are two different manuscript items:

Tableau De la Population des Paroisses de Paris . . . .

The full title of this table is below. It appears to show the population of the 42 named Paris Parishes, comparing the populations intebetween 1750 and 1759 with the period between 1768 and 1777.

The table appears to be used using a method approved by Jean Baptiste Marduel, the Cure (Abbe) of the Church of Saint Roch, located at 284 rue Saint-Honoré, in the 1st arrondissement, built between 1653 and 1740.

Tableau De la Population des Paroisses de Paris, estimee d'apress le nombre des Baptemeese d'une annee commune sur dix. Suivant le caleul de quelques personnes, le numbres des Baptemes est a celui des habitans deans la proportion d'une a quarante, selon d'autres dans d'un a 36 seulement. quelque Caleul qu'un veuille suivre Tableau fait connoitre la Difference de Population entre les deux Epoques indiquees. Cette estimation qui approche les plus de son objet suivant l'opinion de Mr. Mardeul cure de St. Roch qui en est l'autheur et quis mela donee en fevrier 1780. Doit selon lui setre preferablement fait sur le pied de 36 homes pour un enfant.

Treaty of Peace at Versailles February Signed February 10, 1763

This is a reference to the Treaty of Paris of 1763, signed February 10,1763, which ended the French and Indian War/Seven Years' War between Great Britain and France, as well as their respective allies. In the terms of the treaty, France gave up all its territories in mainland North America, effectively ending any foreign military threat to the British colonies in America.

The manuscript would seem to be a recitation of the Treaty in French.

Condition Description
Population Table for Paris and Treaty of Peace of Versailles in Manuscript on the verso)
Gilles Robert de Vaugondy Biography

Gilles Robert de Vaugondy (1688-1766) and Didier Robert de Vaugondy (1723-1786) were influential figures in the realm of 18th-century French cartography. Originating from Paris, their contributions to mapmaking were significant during an era of expansive geographical exploration.

Gilles Robert de Vaugondy entered the world of cartography not through family tradition but through personal interest and the budding opportunities of his time. Born in 1688, he worked during a time when Paris was becoming a central hub for cartographic activities. Gilles often incorporated the latest findings from explorers into his maps, making them sought-after for their contemporary relevance. His connections weren't limited to his immediate circle; he frequently interacted with other key mapmakers, staying updated on the latest techniques and findings.

His son, Didier, was born in 1723 and had the advantage of growing up surrounded by maps and globes. While his father was renowned for maps, Didier made a name for himself in the field of globemaking. His globes were some of the most precise and detailed in France, gaining recognition even among the royalty. In addition to his work in cartography and globemaking, Didier had a keen interest in education, especially after the expulsion of the Jesuits from France. He stepped in to produce geographical educational materials, fulfilling a newfound need.

The maps and globes produced by the Vaugondys remain an enduring testament to the peak of French cartography during the Enlightenment. Their works, characterized by precision and the inclusion of contemporary findings, helped to shape our understanding of the world during a transformative period in European history.