Roux's rare chart book of the Mediterranean
By ROUX, Joseph , 1764
Sold

Recueil [sic.] des principaux plans des ports et rades de la mer Mediterranée. estraits de ma carte en douze feuilles dediée a monsgr. le Duc de Choiseul ministre de la guerre et de la marine. gravée avec privilege du roy par son tres humble serviteur Joseph Roux. A Marseille 1764.

World
  • Author: ROUX, Joseph
  • Publication place: Marseille,
  • Publisher: Joseph Roux,
  • Publication date: 1764.
  • Physical description: First edition chart book, oblong 8vo (155 by 223mm), 121 engraved charts, a few charts with manuscript annotations in margins, some minor worm holes to some charts, skilfully repaired, original full calf, upper board with incised petal design, upper part of lower board, distressed.
  • Inventory reference: 1284

Notes

Joseph Roux (1725–1793), 'Hidrographe du Roy', was one of the leading chartmakers of his day. In 1764 he published this smaller format atlas of 121 harbour charts. The atlas proved so successful that editions were being published well into the nineteenth century; some were by Roux himself, but many pirated. Due to their practical nature few examples survive, and all editions are rare. The plates show town and harbour plans, with soundings, anchorages, rocks, shoals, fortifications, and lighthouses.

As a companion to this work Roux published his monumental 12-sheet chart of the Mediterranean.

Bibliography

  1. NMM, 3: 268
  2. Smith, P.C., 'The Artful Roux: Marine Painters of Marseille', Peabody Museum, 1978.

Image gallery

/