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Fine example of Bellin's map of the Bouches de Bonifacio, which separates the islands of Corsica and Sardinia. Bellin, a renowned French hydrographer and cartographer, created this map to illustrate the complex and strategic maritime passage between these two Mediterranean islands, providing essential information for navigation.
The map showcases the southern tip of Corsica, with Bonifacio as a prominent feature, and the northern tip of Sardinia. Key capes are marked, including Cap Sperone, Cap de Fén, and Cap Pertusato on Corsica, and Capo di Longo Sardo on Sardinia. These geographical points are crucial for navigating the treacherous waters of the strait. Various small islands, such as the Isles Lavezzi and Isles Cavalli, are detailed, along with dangerous rocks and underwater hazards ("Roches sous l’eau"), which are marked to assist sailors in avoiding them.
The map highlights important ports such as Port de Bonifacio on Corsica and Port de Longo Sardo on Sardinia, both of which served as crucial anchorages and defense points in the region. Additionally, fortifications like the Tour de Figari and Tour Torinella on Corsica are noted, emphasizing the military importance of this strait during the 18th century. These forts protected the maritime routes from potential invaders and pirates.
The Bouches de Bonifacio was a vital maritime route, connecting traders and naval vessels between the western Mediterranean and Italian coastlines. The strait, known for its hazardous conditions, required accurate maps such as Bellin’s to ensure safe passage. Bellin’s map provides insight into the strategic value of Corsica and Sardinia, both of which were contested territories during the 18th century, and reflects the necessity for accurate coastal charts during France's era of naval expansion.
Jacques-Nicolas Bellin (1703-1772) was among the most important mapmakers of the eighteenth century. In 1721, at only the age of 18, he was appointed Hydrographer to the French Navy. In August 1741, he became the first Ingénieur de la Marine of the Dépôt des cartes et plans de la Marine (the French Hydrographic Office) and was named Official Hydrographer of the French King.
During his term as Official Hydrographer, the Dépôt was the one of the most active centers for the production of sea charts and maps in Europe. Their output included a folio-format sea atlas of France, the Neptune Francois. He also produced a number of sea atlases of the world, including the Atlas Maritime and the Hydrographie Francaise. These gained fame and distinction all over Europe and were republished throughout the eighteenth and even in the nineteenth century.
Bellin also produced smaller format maps such as the 1764 Petit Atlas Maritime, containing 580 finely-detailed charts. He also contributed a number of maps for the 15-volume Histoire Generale des Voyages of Antoine François Prévost.
Bellin set a very high standard of workmanship and accuracy, cementing France's leading role in European cartography and geography during this period. Many of his maps were copied by other mapmakers across the continent.
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