Carte de la Grece Contenant l'Etat Present de l'Eglise Grecque & Ce Qui Regarde les Ecclesiastiques
Cartographer / Artist: Henri Abraham Châtelain
Date Created: c. 1719
Medium: Copperplate engraving
Physical Dimensions: 17.0 × 14.4 inches
Geographic Scope: Greece
Archive Catalog ID: fp5-img-1930
Provenance: The Dr. Joseph R. Rubini Archive
Collection: Greece
This fine copperplate engraving by Henri Abraham Châtelain was published in volume V of his celebrated monumental work, Atlas Historique (Amsterdam, c. 1719). The central panel depicts a detailed regional map of southern Greece, including the Peloponnese (Morea), Attica, and surrounding Aegean islands. Surrounding the cartography are extensively detailed engraved illustrations and French text entries documenting the contemporary hierarchy, vestments, and rituals of the Greek Orthodox Church during the period of Ottoman governance. Visual panels display Orthodox clergy in traditional ceremonial attire, including a Greek priest in sacerdotal robes, subdeacons, and a bishop bestowing a blessing. Lower vignettes capture specific monastic traditions, such as caloyers (monks) ringing church bells suspended from trees—an adaptation under Ottoman restrictions—and a bishop performing the blessing of the waters. The text offers a fascinating European Enlightenment perspective on the condition of Eastern Christianity, detailing ecclesiastical administrative structures, liturgical habits, and social standing under Turkish rule.
Condition: Strong impression on clean laid paper with moderate uniform age toning.. Minor faint foxing along outer blank margins, clear of the primary engraved areas.. Original central vertical fold as issued with minor light creasing.




