Carte Des Voyages De Mr. Tavernier Dans Les Indes, Par Diverses Routes. Dresse Sur Les Ecrits

1745

Later hand-coloured copper engraving on paper

Print Size: 8.5 x 11.5 in (21.5 x 28.8 cm)
With Mount: 15 x 17.75 in (37.7 x 45 cm)

A highly uncommon cartographic representation of India, Sumatra, the Gulf of Siam, Cochin, China, and other regions, depicting the journeys of Jean-Baptiste Tavernier within the Empire of the Grand Mogol, specifically highlighting Tavernier’s third expedition to the east.

Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (1605-1689)
Jean-Baptiste Tavernier was a French traveller and pioneer of trade with India. His father Gabriel and uncle Melchior were renowned geographers and mapmakers, having relocated to Paris from Antwerp following the Spanish conquest of the city.

Tavenier initially aligned himself with two French priests, M. de Chapes and M. de St Liebau, who had been entrusted with a mission to the Levant. He arrived in Constantinople at the beginning of 1631, where he resided for eleven months before continuing his journey through Tokat, Erzerum, and Erivan to Persia. The most distant location he reached during this initial expedition was Isfahan. He made his way back through Baghdad, Aleppo, Alexandretta, Malta, and Italy, ultimately arriving once more in Paris in 1633.

In September 1638, he embarked on a second journey (1638-43) commencing from Aleppo to Persia, subsequently proceeding to India, reaching as far as Agra and Golkonda. He visited the court of Emperor Shah Jahan and the diamond mines, an exploration that later proved advantageous in his journeys, during which Tavernier operated as a distinguished merchant, dealing in jewels and other valuable commodities, and discovering his primary clientele among the most esteemed rulers of the East. Tavenier undertook an additional four journeys to Asia. During his third voyage (1643–49), he ventured as far as Java and made his return via the Cape.

During his final three expeditions (1651-55, 1657-62, 1664-68), Tavenier remained within the confines of India. The intricacies of these journeys remain largely enigmatic; however, they culminated in a remarkable understanding of the pathways of overland Eastern commerce and facilitated a close and amicable rapport between the renowned merchant and the most esteemed rulers of the Orient.

This specific map is extremely rare to find as a standalone item in the marketplace. In the last quarter century, there has been a singular instance of this map being available for purchase.

This lot will be shipped unframed.

NON-EXPORTABLE

This lot will be shipped in "as is" condition. For further details, please refer to the images of individual lots as reference for the condition.