Subject: England & Wales
Period: 1708 (published)
Publication: Atlas Historique…
Color: Hand Color
Size:
17.9 x 13.6 inches
45.5 x 34.5 cm
Folio sheet containing a map of England and Wales (5.2 x 4.5"), a plan of London (9.2 x 3.8") and two engravings with allegorical figures representing the empire. Panels of French text provide a detailed history of the civil governmental structure, including information on civil service, banks, and the legal system.
The left-hand engraving depicts a seated Liberty holding a scepter and a bonnet, with a cat at her feet, as cats appreciate their liberty the most within the Animal Kingdom. Beside her are Justice, Tranquility leaning on an elephant, and Patriotism represented by a young warrior.
The engraving at right shows the Law of Nature seated at center, with Commerce at right holding a cornucopia of abundance and a map of the New World. At left is another female figure holding a cornucopia of abundance, representing the British way of living happily. In the distance is Mount Parnassus with a Pegasus at the peak, symbolizing that all the abundance should be consecrated to "the true glory."
References:
Condition: A
A crisp impression on paper with an "I C H" watermark and a small, black paper imperfection at top left.