Plan de la Rade et Ville de la Vera-cruz; Situee par 19.deg.10.min. de Lat. Sep. et 100 deg.15m. a l'Occid. de Paris by BELLIN, Jacques Nicolas - 1764

Paris: Bellin, 1764. Map. Engraving with hand-coloring. Image measures 8 1/2" x 6". Sheet measures 9 1/4 x 7 1/2".<br/><br/> This detailed map shows the Port of Veracruz in Mexico in the middle of the 18th century. Founded in the 1500s by Hernan Cortes, the city became one of the wealthiest cities in New Spain. On this sea chart, however, the city's appearance in the lower left corner makes it secondary to the islands off the coast that are the chart's main focus. The complex of fortresses at San Juan de Ulua are contextualized among soundings and shoals, providing useful information for sailors heading toward this base of Spanish operations. Other significant buildings include the Grand Eglise, house of the Jesuits, and the office of the Inquisition.The map appeared in Bellin's "SmalL Maritime Atlas" and is in good condition with no chips or tears.Jacques Nicolas Bellin (1703-1772) was the official hydrographer to the French king and the first person to hold the title of "Ingénieur de la Marine of the Depot des cartes et plans de la Marine" (chief engineer of the French Hydrographical Office).<br/><br/>