The frontispiece from the first volume of Chatelain's historical atlas depicts four figures in the foreground representing the classical muses of Chronology, History, Navigation, and Geography. Each figure holds an instrument representing her art or science. From left, Chronology holds a series of portraits strung on a ribbon; History holds a book and quill pen; Navigation holds a rigged sailing vessel; and Geography holds a pair of measuring dividers while resting her arm on a globe. Behind the female figures on the right is Neptune with his twin-horsed chariot, and on the left is Atlas holding a celestial globe. The winged angel of fame flies above the scene with trumpets, one of which bears a banner with the atlas title. Also included are a pyramid of antiquity and putti studying books and a map of Europe.

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Condition: B+

A nice impression on paper with a Strasbourg bend and lily watermark. There is minor toning that is mostly confined to the margins and a couple small spots.