DESCRIPTION: Early French hydrographic chart of Bora Bora's western harbor and lagoon, surveyed in May and June 1823 by officers of the corvette La Coquille under Louis-Isidore Duperrey. Published circa 1827 as part of the expedition's hydrographic atlas and engraved by Ambroise Tardieu, whose signature appears below the lower right border. Plate No. 6.
The chart details the navigable waters between Bora Bora's mountainous main island and the offshore motus and barrier reef. Numerous depth soundings trace the entrance passage and routes through the lagoon, while closely drawn reef margins distinguish sheltered water from the surrounding ocean. Named features include Baie Faanui, Motou Toopua, and Motou Iti. Hachures describe the steep coastal slopes and the relief of the larger islands, supplemented by vegetation symbols and scattered buildings along the shore.
An explanatory note identifies the units used for soundings and abbreviations for seabed materials, allowing the chart to serve as a practical guide to depths and anchoring conditions. A scale of one nautical mile appears beneath the title. The detailed treatment of the reef passage, shoals, and enclosed anchorage reflects the navigational challenges faced by visiting sailing vessels.
Duperrey's 1822-1825 circumnavigation combined hydrographic surveying with scientific collecting across the Pacific. This chart records Bora Bora during that expedition, documenting its harbor and coastal landscape well before modern resort development.
Louis Isidore Duperrey (1786-1865)
Louis Isidore Duperrey was a notable French marine hydrographer and explorer. Born on October 21, 1786, in Paris, France, Duperrey developed a keen interest in marine sciences from a young age. He began his career as a midshipman in the French Navy, and his passion for hydrography and cartography led him to become a prominent figure in the field.
Duperrey's most renowned expedition was his command of the French ship 'Coquille' from 1822 to 1825. The voyage took him to various parts of the world, including Chile, Peru, Polynesia, the Molucca Islands (Indonesia), New Ireland (Papua New Guinea), and Australia. During this expedition, Duperrey conducted extensive hydrographic surveys, gathering crucial scientific data on oceanography, meteorology, and the natural world.
Beyond his achievements in cartography and marine sciences, Duperrey was also a skilled linguist. He displayed a remarkable talent for learning and recording indigenous languages encountered during his voyages. His linguistic work contributed significantly to the understanding of local cultures and facilitated communication with indigenous populations.
After the 'Coquille' expedition, Duperrey continued to make important contributions to the field of hydrography. He held the position of director of the Hydrographic Office in France and was responsible for producing accurate charts and maps of coastal regions. Duperrey's scientific achievements were widely recognized during his lifetime. He received numerous honors, including being elected as a member of the prestigious French Academy of Sciences in 1838. He also authored several scientific publications based on his expeditions and research.
PUBLICATION DATE: 1827
GEOGRAPHIC AREA: N/A
BODY OF WATER: South Pacific Ocean
CONDITION: Good.
No issues.
COLORING: None.
ENGRAVER:
SIZE:
" x
"
ITEM PHYSICAL LOCATION:
PRICE: $300
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