Carte du Golphe de St. Laurent et Pays Voisins

Cartographer / Artist: Jacques-Nicolas Bellin

Date Created: c. 1757

Medium: Copperplate engraving

Physical Dimensions: 13.9 × 9.1 inches

Geographic Scope: Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Newfoundland, Quebec, Canada

Archive Catalog ID: fp4-img-1916

Provenance: The Dr. Joseph R. Rubini Archive

Collection: Canada

This finely detailed 18th-century French chart depicts the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and its surrounding maritime regions, including Newfoundland (Terre-Neuve), Isle Royale (Cape Breton Island), Isle Saint-Jean (Prince Edward Island), Anticosti Island, and the Gaspé Peninsula. Engraved by royal hydrographer Jacques-Nicolas Bellin, the map was created to accompany Abbé Prévost's monumental travel compilation, Histoire Générale des Voyages. The chart provides a comprehensive geographical overview of the strategic maritime entrance into New France during a pivotal period of Anglo-French imperial rivalry in North America. The map illustrates coastal topographies, shoals, soundings, and anchorages essential for trans-Atlantic navigation and fishing fleets. Native regional ethnonyms and territories are prominently recorded across the northern mainland, including Papinachois, Les Ounescapi, Les Esquimaux, and Gaspesiens. Key historic French colonial sites, such as the strategic fortress of Louisbourg on Isle Royale and various fishing ports along Newfoundland's coast, are also clearly denoted. Visually anchored by an elegant rococo title cartouche at the lower right, the chart features a scale measured in French leagues ('Lieues communes de France') and a longitude grid oriented to the Paris Meridian. Bottom marginal text denotes its publication parameters in Tome 14, Page 263, representing a fine example of mid-18th-century French cartographic craftsmanship.

Condition: Light paper toning and faint scattered age foxing along the outer margins.. Original horizontal fold line as issued for atlas inclusion, with mild creasing.. Strong, dark copperplate impression on sturdy laid paper with crisp lettering.

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Carte du Golphe de St. Laurent et Pays Voisins
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Canadac. 1757

Carte du Golphe de St. Laurent et Pays Voisins

By Jacques-Nicolas Bellin

Archival Overview & Authenticated Facts

Authentic period c. 1757 Copperplate engraving by Jacques-Nicolas Bellin documenting Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Newfoundland, Quebec, Canada. Measures 13.9 × 9.1 inches. Verified original holding from the Dr. Joseph R. Rubini Archive.

Acquisition Status$170
Dr. Joseph R. Rubini Archive • 100% Guaranteed Authentic Original

Physical Specifications & Details

Medium & Technique
Copperplate engraving
Sheet / Plate Size
13.9 × 9.1 inches
Date / Era
c. 1757
Geographic Scope
Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Newfoundland, Quebec, Canada
Archive Catalog ID
fp4-img-1916
Provenance
The Dr. Joseph R. Rubini Archive
Preservation & Condition Report
  • Light paper toning and faint scattered age foxing along the outer margins.
  • Original horizontal fold line as issued for atlas inclusion, with mild creasing.
  • Strong, dark copperplate impression on sturdy laid paper with crisp lettering.

Historical Context & Archival Analysis

This finely detailed 18th-century French chart depicts the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and its surrounding maritime regions, including Newfoundland (Terre-Neuve), Isle Royale (Cape Breton Island), Isle Saint-Jean (Prince Edward Island), Anticosti Island, and the Gaspé Peninsula. Engraved by royal hydrographer Jacques-Nicolas Bellin, the map was created to accompany Abbé Prévost's monumental travel compilation, Histoire Générale des Voyages. The chart provides a comprehensive geographical overview of the strategic maritime entrance into New France during a pivotal period of Anglo-French imperial rivalry in North America. The map illustrates coastal topographies, shoals, soundings, and anchorages essential for trans-Atlantic navigation and fishing fleets. Native regional ethnonyms and territories are prominently recorded across the northern mainland, including Papinachois, Les Ounescapi, Les Esquimaux, and Gaspesiens. Key historic French colonial sites, such as the strategic fortress of Louisbourg on Isle Royale and various fishing ports along Newfoundland's coast, are also clearly denoted. Visually anchored by an elegant rococo title cartouche at the lower right, the chart features a scale measured in French leagues ('Lieues communes de France') and a longitude grid oriented to the Paris Meridian. Bottom marginal text denotes its publication parameters in Tome 14, Page 263, representing a fine example of mid-18th-century French cartographic craftsmanship.

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Every map, fine print, and photograph offered by Rubini Antique Maps and Prints is an authenticated, 100% original period work produced during its stated publication date or era. We never sell modern reproductions or digital facsimiles. All cataloged items carry verified provenance originating from the historical collection of Dr. Joseph R. Rubini, backed by complete historical attribution.