Antique plan of Diu Island, India

Ville de Diu / De Stad Diu

Antique plan of Diu Island and the Portuguese fortress at Diu, in Gujarat province, India. Includes St. Paul church, a mosque, and several defensive positions.

Shows the port and fortification of Diu once called the "Gibraltar of the East', with the hospital, the church of St. Paul and St. Jago. The fortification was the site of the Battle of Diu in 1509 between Portugal and a fleet of ships of the Ottoman, Egyptian, Venetian, allies of the Sultan of Gujarat, Mahmud Begada. Diu remained in possession of the Portuguese from 1535 until 1961, when it fell to troops of the Indian Union.

Re-engraved by von Schley after a French view by J.N. Bellin and published in Amsterdam in a Dutch edition of L'Histoire Generale des Voyages. Verso is blank.

Jacques-Nicolas Bellin (1703-1772)

Jacques-Nicolas Bellin was a prominent French hydrographer and geographer, recognized for his significant contributions to the development of cartography. For over half a century, Bellin served as the first Ingénieur de la Marine of the Depot des cartes et plans de la Marine (the French Hydrographic Office) and was appointed Official Hydrographer to the French King. His expertise and precision led to the production of thousands of significant nautical charts and maps, enhancing maritime navigation.

Petit Atlas Maritime Title Page, 1764

One of Bellin's most notable works, "Le Petit Atlas Maritime," was published in 1764, encompassing five volumes of detailed charts and maps covering every part of the world. Bellin's cartographic legacy extends beyond France; his comprehensive maps and atlases were highly influential in shaping European understanding of global geography during the 18th century. His passion for accuracy and vast output have ensured his place in the annals of cartographic history.

CREATOR: Bellin, Jacques Nicolas

PUBLICATION DATE: 1750

GEOGRAPHIC AREA: India

BODY OF WATER: Indian Ocean

CONDITION: Good.  Cleaned. Single vertical fold. On strong laid paper with ample margins.

COLORING: None

ENGRAVER: von Schley

SIZE: 9 " x 8 "

ITEM PHYSICAL LOCATION: 13

PRICE: $155