DESCRIPTION: This scarce large-scale antique hydrographic chart of the town and environs of Dunkirk is a fine example of the work of Charles-François Beautemps-Beaupré, often referred to as the "Father of French Hydrography". Covering a stretch of coast from Mardick to Zuycoote the chart is focused almost entirely on the offshore areas.
Beautemps-Beaupré (1766-1854), considered to be the father of modern French hydrography, was one of the earliest hydrographers to use colored isobaths to represent water depth. In this carefully colored chart he uses differently colored isobaths (light orange tones) to represent three depth categories : less than 10 feet ; between 10 and 16 feet; and between 17 and 24 feet. This detail along with hundreds of soundings demonstrates Beautemp-Beaupres' dedication to his profession.
Not dated but another example from same series is dated to 1802. This fine example was likely published ca 1820 as part of "Le Pilote Francais", Beautemps-Beaupre's six folio-volume atlas comprised of 613 sheets of charts and plans. With the logo of the French Depot de la Marine.
PUBLICATION DATE: 1820
GEOGRAPHIC AREA: France
BODY OF WATER: Atlantic Ocean
CONDITION: Very Good
Beautiful. Thick, clean chain-laid paper with watermark of "J. Kool and Comp" with figure of a lion and sword. Two small tears in bottom border do not approach the neat line. Both repaired with archival tape. Horizontal centerfold as issued. Remnants of a binders stub on verso.
Strong impression with perhaps one or two tiny foxing spots. Shows almost no sign of age. Remnants of a binders stub on verso.
COLORING: Beautiful and careful contemporary hand color.
ENGRAVER: Grave par E. Collin
SIZE: 24
" x
36 "
ITEM PHYSICAL LOCATION: 0
PRICE: $975
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