50 - [France]. GARIPUY, François. CHALMANDRIER, Nicolas.

[France]. GARIPUY, François. CHALMANDRIER, Nicolas. [CANAL DU MIDI-LANGUEDOC]. (No place), 1771–1774. Large folio. 3 very large panoramic maps, on sheets in folded in-plano format, engraved, with generous margins. Bound in 1 volume (65 x 50 cm). 19th-century green half-basane leather, smooth spine decorated with gilt fillet and gilt metal (spine faded, binding scuffed, edges and corners worn, a few foxing spots mainly on the sides, a few faint water stains mainly in the margins, a few sheets slightly creased). A fine copy. An exceptional set of three large historical maps of the waterways of the Languedoc in the 18th century. Engraved in black on thick watermarked laid paper by Nicolas Chalmandrier; each consists of several sheets bound here separately, with the sequence forming a long panoramic bird’s-eye-view engraving for each map. The Canal du Midi, as it is known today, was the largest construction project of the 17th century. - “General Map of the Royal Canal of the Province of Languedoc, surveyed and engraved by order and at the expense of the Estates General… 1771.” 3 sheets in panorama. With 2 beautiful engraved cartouches featuring figures. - Map of the Royal Canal of Languedoc from Toulouse to Renneville / 3 sheets from Renneville to Trebes / 5 sheets; from Trebes to Capestang / 4 sheets; from Capestang to the Thau Lagoon / 3 sheets (a soiled margin on the last sheet). Large final cartouche bearing the coat of arms of Languedoc. (A corner restored on the last sheet). 1774. A total of 15 copperplate engravings in black by Chalmandrier in 1774, forming a bird’s-eye view of the canal over 12 m long. "This map of the Royal Canal of the Province of Languedoc... was surveyed by order and at the expense of the Presidents of the Estates-General here, His Grace Arthur, Richard, and Dillon, Archbishop and Primate of Narbonne...". - Map of the rivers, streams, and ditches (sic) that supply water to the canal connecting the seas in Languedoc. Surveyed and engraved by order and at the expense of the Estates General of the said province. Presiding here: His Excellency Arthur Richard Dillon, Archbishop and Primate of Narbonne. 1771. 4 double sheets, totaling more than 2.20 m of panoramic bird’s-eye view. Nicolas Chalmandrier, active from 1756 to 1782, was one of Cassini’s engravers.