22 Nicholas Fils Sanson (1600–1647) & Chevigny – Miniature Map of Italy, Sicily and Albania / Carta dell’Italia meridionale, Sicilia e Albania – Hand-Colored Etching (1782)

This rare miniature map depicts Southern Italy, the Kingdom of Naples, the eastern coast of Albania (Albania Bassa), and the major Mediterranean islands of Corsica, Sardinia, and Sicily. Cities and coastal regions such as Naples, Taranto, and Palermo are carefully labeled, while territorial boundaries are highlighted with vibrant hand-coloring. The map comes from La Science des personnes de cour, d'épée et de robe (The Science of Court Persons, of Sword and of Toga), published in 1782 by Chevigny. This compendium, combining geography with courtly instruction, was designed to educate young aristocrats in both spatial knowledge and social etiquette.

Hand-coloured copper engraving, originates from The Science of Court Persons, of Sword and of Toga, by the Lord of Chevigny, 1782.

Nicholas Fils Sanson (1600–1647), known as the father of French cartography, was a key figure in 17th-century mapmaking. Though he died relatively young, his works remained influential for decades and were reused in later compilations. Chevigny, active in the second half of the 18th century, reissued Sanson's maps within his educational and aristocratic guidebooks, preserving their scientific and aesthetic value within Enlightenment pedagogy.

Artist or Maker:

Nicholas Fils Sanson & Chevigny

Dimensions:

14 cm x 18 cm

Medium:

Etching

Date:

1782

Condition Report:

This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.