FRONTISPIECE TO LE NEPTUNE FRANCOIS, 1693

The elaborately engraved frontispiece to Le Neptune Francois, engraved by Jan van Vianen under the direction of royal cartographer Hubert Jaillot; an engraved original print (frontis only), Paris, 1693.

Paris: Alexis-Hubert Jaillot, 1693. Unframed Print. Very Good Condition. Item #373381

This richly allegorical frontispiece heralds Le Neptune Franois as a monument of maritime aspiration. At its centre, Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, sits enthroned, trident aloft, amidst a teeming aquatic pageant of tritons, nereids, and fantastical sea beasts. A radiant celestial figure above unveils the title banner, signalling divine favour, while a distant fleet underscores Frances burgeoning naval prowess under Louis XIV.Commissioned during the height of French ambitions to dominate the seas, the plates theatrical excess belies its practical function as the portal to a technical atlas. Though the charts within were largely Dutch in origin, this frontispiece reframes them through the lens of French royal propaganda. Engraving 37 x 51 cms; sheet 47 x 61 cms Text is in French. Category: PRINTS : Antiquarian Interest; French Language; PRINTS : Historic Interest; Printed before 1700; French Language; Special Features. This item may require more postage than the rates shown for delivery outside the UK. If extra postage is required we will contact you before processing your order and you will be given the details and option to decline the extra cost.

Keywords: BZDB395 PRINTS : Antiquarian Interest; French Language; PRINTS : Historic Interest; Printed before 1700; French Language; Special Features. FRONTISPIECE TO LE NEPTUNE FRANCOIS, 1693 The elaborately engraved frontispiece to Le Neptune Francois, engrav

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