1620 Descriptio de la ville de Paris avecq les Villes et Villages Circonuoisins
By: Anonymous
Date: 1620 (circa)
Dimensions: 8.5 x 11 inches (21.6 x 28 cm)
This fascinating map depicts Paris and both its near and its somewhat distant environs as they were in the late 16th or early 17th century.
According to the location of St. Deni on the map, which is now approximately six miles from the city center, it can be determined that the area depicted includes cities, castles, fortresses, palaces, cathedrals, and battle scenes which are located anywhere from twenty to eighty miles from Île de la Cité in the middle of the Seine.
The sites are depicted pictorially, in some detail for as small as they have been drawn. A number of rivers in the region are delineated. Other topography is pictorially described as being used for agricultural purposes. Some forested areas are shown to the north and northeast of Paris.
A significant number of vignettes feature armed military forces, all shown in detail in various places of the map, with armored cavalry units in formation, and foot soldiers with lances. Cannon can be seen in one site. Some battle scenes are depicted, including one near Dreux, which may represent an important battle in the religious wars era against the Huguenots. The map is a fascinating depiction of the unrest in France of that era.
Condition: This map on thin, hand laid watermarked paper is in A condition with some minor folds which can be easily removed professionally.
Inventory #12672