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Réf : 60882

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Michel Etienne TURGOT & Louis BRETEZ

Plan de Paris, Commencé l'Année 1734. Dessiné et Gravé, sous les ordres de Messire Michel Etienne Turgot

Paris 1739, in-plano (44,5x56,5cm), 21Pl., relié.

TURGOT Michel étienne & BRETEZ Louis
Plan de Paris, Commencé l’Année 1734. Dessiné et Gravé, sous les ordres de Messire Michel Etienne Turgot [Turgot’s Map of Paris 1734]
Paris 1739, in-plano 45 x 56,5 cm, 21 plates, 18th-century calf
The most famous map of Paris.
First edition, rare and precious, consisting in one general layout divided into 20 numbered rectangles, picking up schematically the 20 following perspective maps of Paris, i.e. 21 double-page charts on strong paper. Number 18 and 19 are bound and can be folded out, and contain the title block with the title and editorial data. Some might find the disposal of charts in this collection surprising, but they observe a strict order. The charts are bound following the general layout, from left to right; when removed the charts can easily be placed together in the right order to reassemble the big perspective map of Paris, with a size of approximately 2,5 x 3 cm, each chart measuring approximately 50 x 80 cm.
Full marbled and glazed calf vintage binding with the coat of arms of Paris. Spine with fleurs-de-lis, one central and four spandrels. Boards with the coat of arms of Paris in the center. Large frieze frame with fleurs-de-lis in the corners. Very subtle and skilful restorations.
Michel étienne Turgot, Marquis de Sousmont, back then provost of the Parisian merchants, wished to promote the image of Paris and empowered Louis Bretez (member of the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture and perspective professor) for a new map of Paris. Bretez started his work in 1734. With the Turgot’s consent to enter anywhere he wished (gardens, houses, monuments) he has taken accurate measurements for two years.
He started engraving only in 1736. The maps of Paris were designed according to an isometric projection, giving more accuracy than the usual aerial views, and for the first time showed real scientific advances in the way of engraving maps, and a real scientific achievement, all monuments, gardens and houses being very precisely depicted, down to the smallest details. The perspective map according to an axonometric projection was so renowned that it took the commissioner’s name.
Beautiful copy with the coat of arms of Paris.
$ 20 000

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