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The Grand Waterway of Languedoc: Mapping the Canal du Midi, 1697

About the Item

This large original antique engraving is part of a colored copperplate map of the Canal du Midi, originally titled "Le Canal Royal de Languedoc, pour la jonction de l'Ocean et de la Mer Mediterranée," created by Jean Baptiste Nolin in Paris, 1697. The Canal du Midi is a significant work of civil engineering designed to link the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea through southern France and was considered a major accomplishment of the 17th century. The map is intricate and detailed, showcasing not just the geography but also the engineering prowess involved in constructing the canal. Heraldic emblems and staffage (decorative figures) enrich the visual presentation, reflecting the importance and the noble backing the project received. Additional smaller cards or insets are included details of locks, weirs, and other hydraulic works, as well as detailed plans of cities and towns along the canal's route. The mention of the map being printed and assembled from two plates indicates that it is a large, expansive work, designed to be both informative and visually impressive. However, it is noted that the middle page with the title is missing, which would have provided a central focal point and possibly more information about the canal and its construction. Given that the middle page is missing, the map as it stands would still be a valuable historical and cartographic artifact, providing insight into the early modern mapping techniques, the heraldry of the time, and the grandeur of public works in the age of Louis XIV. The Canal du Midi itself is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its historical significance and its contribution to the development of canal building in Europe. It's a rich history and engineering marvel that the Canal du Midi represents, especially considering the challenges overcome by Pierre-Paul Riquet in bringing water from the Montagne Noire to the Seuil de Naurouze, The canal's economic motivations were mainly the wheat trade. It places the Canal du Midi within the larger network of waterways that make up the Canal des Deux-Mers, highlighting its significance during the reign of Louis XIV and the era's advancements in river navigation.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 26.78 in (68 cm)Width: 40.16 in (102 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Period:
    1690-1699
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1697
  • Condition:
    Repaired: Cleaned and stabilized. Transverse crack restored to the bottom right up to the center of the picture. Good. Slightly browned and stained. Without the middle sheet with the title, but still very decorative and impressive large map. Study the image carefully.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-136581stDibs: LU3054338001902
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