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Description

Fine example of the significantly updated and revised 1776 edition of Robert de Vaugondy's rare separately issued map of the Southern Hemishere, created for De Vaugondy's submission to the Royal Academy of Sciences in Paris and first issued in 1773.

De Vaugondy's separately issued map was received great praise in its time. On March 19, 1773, the Royal Academy of Science noted that the work presented:

an extremely interesting description of one of the least penetrated parts of the globe . . . showing the routes of modern exploreres, such as in 1642 Tasman, Halley in 1700, St. Louis in 1718 , Bouvet in 1738 , and Cook & Bougainville in 1768. . . .

We believe this work of Mr. Robert Vaugondy interesting and worthy of praise from the Academy, which has already received favorably to other works that the author presented him at different times .

The present example, showing addition of Cook's tracks, is especially interesting for the convergence of the recent expeditions of Cook and Bouganville on New Zealand, Australia, and the South Pacific.

We note 3 states of the map, all very rare. It would seem that the first state is not noted in the standard bibliographies and may in fact be a proof state. This first state, pre-dates the addition of text and explanatory tables. The second state, adds text, etc. This third state, revised and updated with astronomical observations (date in the bottom left corner).

The primary update to this 3rd state of the map the addition of Cook's tracks in the Resolution in 1773, 1774 and 1775, and the revised and updated information in the text and tables. The present example also shows the tracks of most of the voyages in outline color.

All states of the map are rare on the market.

Condition Description
Laid on linen. Minor soiling.
Reference
Pedley, M.S. 27, state 2; MCC 2 (Tooley - Antarctica) #73; Tooley, R.V. (Australia) 1004.
Didier Robert de Vaugondy Biography

Didier Robert de Vaugondy (ca. 1723-1786) was the son of prominent geographer Gilles Robert de Vaugondy and Didier carried on his father’s impressive work. Together, they published their best-known work, the Atlas Universel (1757). The atlas took fifteen years to create and was released in a folio and ¾ folio edition; both are rare and highly sought-after today. Together and individually, father and son were known for their exactitude and depth of research.

Like his father, Didier served as geographer to King Louis XV. He was especially recognized for his skills in globe making; for example, a pair of his globes made for the Marquise de Pompadour are today in the collection of the Municipal Museum of Chartres. Didier was also the geographer to the Duke of Lorraine. In 1773, he was appointed royal censor in charge of monitoring the information published in geography texts, navigational tracts, and travel accounts.

The Robert De Vaugondy Family

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.

In terms of predecessors, the Vaugondys followed in the footsteps of notable French cartographers like Nicolas Sanson and Guillaume Delisle. The latter was particularly influential during the early 18th century, setting high standards in scientific cartography. As for competitors, the Vaugondys were contemporaries with Jean-Baptiste Bourguignon d'Anville, a cartographer who, like them, was rigorous in his methodologies and had a significant influence on mapmaking during the same period.

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.