Les Isles Philippines Molucques et de la Sonde by SANSON, Nicolas - 1654

Paris: Pierre Mariette, 1654. unbound. Map. Engraving with original outline color. Image measures 7.25" x 11.5". Map of the East Indies, centered on the Philippines with Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the South China Sea. Cities, mountains and forests are rendered including "Sincapura". It is in good condition with the outer margins trimmed to the plate line. Nicolas Sanson (1600-1667) is considered the founder of the French school of cartography. In reaction to the prevailing trend of Dutch lavishness, Sanson favored minimal details, focusing rather on accurate cartography than ornament. The detail in this map shows the European interest in the Spice trade.