131 - GUENARD, Jacques. New Map of the Mediterranean Sea—1706–1709.

GUENARD, Jacques. New Map of the Mediterranean Sea—1706–1709. Three maps (one of which is in two parts), engraved in black (80 or 85 cm x 56 cm), each with a fold-out flap, mounted on cardstock and bound together. Cover is scuffed with some water stains, several water stains on the maps and a few small, scattered tears or slits, including a significant one in the middle of the first map (26 cm), partial separation between the mounted sheets forming the pages, and a worn center fold on the Aegean Sea map with tears. Extremely rare, these nautical charts by the Marseille geographer Jacques Guenard form a four-part stapled booklet covering the entire Mediterranean: from the Azores to Oran and the mouth of the Gironde (1706), from Tangier to the Ionian Islands (1709), and from the island of Elba and Tunis to the Syrian coast (ibid.). The last map details the Aegean Sea and extends from Thrace to northern Crete (1708). In addition to the numerous compasses topped with a fleur-de-lis that punctuate the maps, we are particularly struck by the first two impressive cartouches adorned with nymphs, ancient sea deities, and monstrous fish. A rare copy.