A lovely bird's-eye plan of Fontainebleau, located just southeast of Paris. Francis I (1494-1547) expanded and reconstructed the castle at Fontainebleau into a royal residence. The castle became a favorite residence and retreat for the French monarchy, and over the next two centuries almost every monarch continued the renovations, expanding upon the buildings, fountains and gardens. This plan depicts the elaborate gardens and structures in great detail, with key locations named. A parchment-style cartouche gives a brief history of Fontainebleau, while the title is featured on a drape-style cartouche. Engraved by Charles Inselin.

References: Pastoureau, Fer IV A [46].

Condition: B

Attractive color on watermarked paper. The map was horizontally severed in half (in between the two cartouches) but has been expertly repaired with archival materials on verso. Remargined at left with part of neatline in facsimile.