Antiquarian Auctions

Auction #114 begins on 11 Apr 2024

Alain Mallet

Monomotapa et la Cafrerie

Published: Thierry, Paris, 1683

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This is an attractive 17th century miniature map of Southern Africa from a famous encyclopaedic French publication.

Alain Manesson Mallet was a French cartographer, engineer and mathematician, who worked for the Portuguese. He then became Inspector of Fortifications for King Louis XIV of France.

  This miniature map appeared in his Description de l'Univers, a miniature yet monumental publication in five volumes (each with its own title page. The book is an encyclopaedic world history that also describes the cultures, governments, lands and customs of the people known at that time; it includes numerous engraved maps, views and images of flora, fauna and people from different parts of the world. The book was published only once.  

  This Southern Africa map seems to be based on Duval's map in that the mountains, lakes and rivers are similar, although the coastline is less pointed than in earlier maps; Cape Agulhas is not prominent and is too far eastward and it should be noticeably (almost two degrees) south of the Cape of Good Hope.

This is the first miniature map to name the Indian Ocean (Mer des Indes); the ocean to the south is still Mer d'Ethiopi, [Ethiopian Sea]. The ancient desert along the west coast (now the Namib Desert) is identified for the first time in small and miniature maps. Although Table Bay is identified, there is no indication of the Dutch settlement that had been established three decades before publication of the map.This miniature hand coloured map is in fine condition.1

Reference: Geoffrey King. Miniature Antique Maps pp. 152-153

  • Overall Condition: Fine
  • Size: 14cm x 10cm
  • Sold By: Roger Stewart Antiquarian
  • Contact Person: Dr. Roger Stewart
  • Country: South Africa
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Telephone: +27836541081
  • Preferred Payment Methods: LOCAL: EFT; INTERNATIONAL: PAYPAL (add 5%) or Bank Transfer; no credit cards
  • Trade Associations: IMCOS


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