Framed Bird's Eye Map of Paris After Michel-Étienne Turgot 8 Ft
$8,800.00
A rare and dramatic 19th century framed engraving of the 1739 "Plan de Paris", after French magistrate Michel-Étienne Turgot (France 1690-1751). Rendered in a intricate birds-eye 1:400 isometric perspective, the map captures Paris in extraordinary detail, including streets, blocks, gardens, and landmarks. The large rendering measures nearly 8 feet wide. The map was commissioned under Michel-Étienne Turgot, the French Magistrate and the de facto mayor of Paris, and is traditionally thought to be done by Louis Bretez, a famed cartographer, to portray pre-Haussmann Paris at full urban density in meticulous detail. The portion of the map depicted here focuses on the 1st and 4th Arrondissements of Paris, displaying the core of the city along the Seine, including the Louvre, Palais des Tuilerie, the Pont Neuf, Île de la Cité with Notre-Dame, Place des Victoires, the Bastille, and the Palais Royale. The engraving is done on joined sheets of mounted paper with beautifully aged and distressed sepia toning. The grand art piece is presented under glass in a latter simple black wood lacquered frame. The French Provincial piece is well-suited for use in a library, entry, or a study seeking a refined cartographic statement.
Dimensions: 93.5"w x 1.25"d x 63"h
Circa: 20th Century, France
Materials: Glass, Paper, Wood
Condition: Distressed, minor wear consistent with age and use. Beautifully crafted engraving with age-appropriate wear. Visible distressed patina including marks, tonal variation, stains, fading, foxing, nicks, scuffs, creasing, folding, tears, and small losses as seen in photos.
