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Description

Nicolas Sanson's map of Transylvanis shows the geographical knowledge of the time with respect to the Principality of Transylvania. The title itself references the map's three sources: Wolfgang Lazius, Johannes Sambucus, and Gerardus Mercator, each of whom played a key role in the development of cartography.

Sanson's map includes detailed topographical features, major cities, rivers, and political divisions within Transylvania. The fusion of the humanistic approach of Lazius, the local knowledge of Sambucus, and the mathematical precision of Mercator resulted in a map that was both accurate and culturally informed.

Wolfgang Lazius (1514-1565) was an Austrian humanist, historian, and cartographer, Lazius made significant contributions to the representation of Eastern Europe.  Lazius' works provided insights into regional geography, particularly the topographical and political features of Transylvania. His depiction of the region might  served as a basis for Sanson's understanding of the territory's boundaries and natural landmarks.

Johannes Sambucus (1531-1584)  was a Hungarian polymath, physician, and historian whose works encompassed various fields, including cartography.Sambucus's historical writings and maps would have provided Sanson with local insights into Transylvania. His knowledge of the cultural and historical context likely enriched Sanson's depiction, providing a nuanced portrayal of the region.

Gerardus Mercator (1512-1594).  Mercator, a renowned Flemish cartographer, is best known for creating the Mercator projection, a cylindrical map projection still in use today.  Mercator's map of Transylvania was one of the two earliest obtainable maps of the regioin, along with the map of Abraham Ortelius. 

The "Principaute de Transilvanie tiree de W. Lazius, de I. Sambucus, et de G. Mercator" by Nicolas Sanson stands as a testament to the cumulative nature of cartography. By drawing on the insights and methodologies of three distinct and pioneering sources, Sanson created a rich and multifaceted representation of Transylvania. The map embodies a convergence of humanism, local expertise, and mathematical rigor, reflecting the evolving art and science of cartography in the 17th century. It provides a window into the geographical understanding of the time, informed by the intellectual currents that shaped early modern Europe. 

Nicolas Sanson Biography

Nicholas Sanson (1600-1667) is considered the father of French cartography in its golden age from the mid-seventeenth century to the mid-eighteenth. Over the course of his career he produced over 300 maps; they are known for their clean style and extensive research. Sanson was largely responsible for beginning the shift of cartographic production and excellence from Amsterdam to Paris in the later-seventeenth century.

Sanson was born in Abbeville in Picardy. He made his first map at age twenty, a wall map of ancient Gaul. Upon moving to Paris, he gained the attention of Cardinal Richelieu, who made an introduction of Sanson to King Louis XIII. This led to Sanson's tutoring of the king and the granting of the title ingenieur-geographe du roi

His success can be chalked up to his geographic and research skills, but also to his partnership with Pierre Mariette. Early in his career, Sanson worked primarily with the publisher Melchior Tavernier. Mariette purchased Tavernier’s business in 1644. Sanson worked with Mariette until 1657, when the latter died. Mariette’s son, also Pierre, helped to publish the Cartes générales de toutes les parties du monde (1658), Sanson' atlas and the first French world atlas.