Contemporary hand-colored engraving by Jacques-Nicolas Bellin, 1750
€375.00
This authentic antique print, measuring 48.5 cm × 34.5 cm , created by Jacques-Nicolas Bellin as a fine example of Contemporary hand-colored engraving work from the 18th Century (1700s).
Published by Jacques-Nicolas Bellin, it is preserved in Very Good condition and displays remarkable period craftsmanship.
1 in stock
This vintage Indian Ocean map, titled ‘Carte de l’Ocean Oriental ou Mer des Indes,’ covers a vast region. Jacques-Nicolas Bellin published it in Paris around 1750. The map shows Southeast Africa, Madagascar, Arabia, India, Sri Lanka, Java, and part of New Zealand. It measures 34.5 by 48.5 cm and is in very good condition. Bellin was a top French hydrographer known for accurate nautical charts. This rare piece captures 18th-century exploration routes and coastal details. Collectors and history fans love its clear lines and broad scope. Owning this vintage Indian Ocean map brings maritime heritage and cartographic art to your space. It highlights key trade areas from the Age of Sail.
Jacques-Nicolas Bellin (1703–1772) was a leading French hydrographer and cartographer. He served as chief cartographer for the French Navy in Paris. Bellin created thousands of precise sea charts and coastal maps for navigation. His detailed works supported exploration and trade in the 18th century. Collectors value Bellin’s maps for their accuracy and historical importance.
During the 18th century, mapmaking became more scientific and precise. Improved instruments like the telescope and chronometer helped cartographers increase accuracy, shifting maps from decorative art to factual documents. Copperplate engraving stayed as the main printing method, producing fine lines, while hand-coloring added visual impact. French cartographers, such as the Cassini family, led national surveys with geodetic measurements and triangulation, while Dutch mapmakers like Joan Blaeu enhanced printing and atlas quality, ushering in a golden age of atlases.
Maps began including more information and notes to help users, and ornate decorations mostly gave way to scientific clarity, except for cartouches and borders. National and colonial ambitions guided map production to aid navigation and territorial claims. By the late 18th century, large-scale surveys set modern cartography standards. Today, 18th-century maps mix scientific knowledge with artistry, are prized by collectors, and have influenced later cartographic methods. They offer insights into Enlightenment exploration and geography.
| Dimensions | 48.5 × 34.5 cm |
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| Orientation | |
| Condition | |
| Artist | |
| Era | |
| Publish Date | 1750 |
| Published by | Jacques-Nicolas Bellin |
| Technique | Contemporary hand-colored engraving |
| Frame | Mounted on board, not framed |
Our antique prints are carefully packaged to ensure safe arrival.
Smaller prints are shipped in acid-free, flat protective packaging, while larger works are securely rolled and sent in a sturdy tube to preserve their condition.
Netherlands: €7.50 —
European Union: €15
Outside the EU: On request (contact us for an exact quote)
We offer custom framing for all prints, from classic antique frames to contemporary minimalist styles.
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The print will be professionally framed and shipped via courier for maximum safety
If you would like your print framed, please contact us, we are happy to advise on styles and options.
Our highest classification. These prints are clean, bright, and exceptionally well-preserved, featuring a strong and crisp image. No notable imperfections.
Prints in this condition show a clean, sharp image. Paper quality or margin size may vary slightly. Minor age-related characteristics, such as small wormholes, light toning, or tiny separations may be present depending on the print date.
No major imperfections. Any minor flaws or historical repairs are fully noted in the product description. Overall a well-preserved and collectible piece.
These prints show noticeable imperfections such as foxing, weaker image strength, or longer separations, but remain collectible. All visible characteristics are clearly described.
