“Estats du Grand Duc de Moscovie out de L’Empereur de la Russie Blanche”

The French cartographer, Jacques Chiquet (1673-1721) published only two atlases, both in Paris in 1719, so his work is rare. The title of the atlas in which this map appeared, Le nouveau et curieux Atlas Geographique et Historique, ou Le Divertissement des Empereurs, Roy et Princes…, implies that the atlas was created for royals. His maps are well drawn in a style and with the decorative flourishes typical of 18th century French work.  They contain a great deal of detail including observations concerning important historic events in the regions. The mapmaker expanded on his historical and personal observations in the long page of accompanying French text.

At the time that this map was published, Russia had become a major European power under Peter the Great and incorporated a vast amount of land organized into duchies.

8 1/8 x 11 ¼ inches, sheet.
Hand colored copperplate engraving.
Original outline coloring.
Overall patina and some soiling of margins, not affecting image.
Complete with page of accompanying text.