Jean Janvier and S.G. Longchamps — Wall map of the World in two hemispheres printed on two sheets, framed by the biblical account of creation

Paris, Longchamps et Janvier 1754 Mappe Monde, Contenant les Parties Connues du Globe Terrestre Wall map of the world in two hemispheres, printed on two sheets, depicting the Eastern and Western hemispheres, supported by two male figures, and decorated at the bottom right and left with two celestial hemispheres (boreal and southern), with an armillary sphere at the bottom center. Size 119 x 148 cm. Comes in a matching black frame with gold piping. Listed: 127 x 155,5 cm. Gobert-Denis Chambon engraved the copperplate after the work of Guillaume De L’Isle, published in 1754 by Jean Janvier and S.G. Longschamps. This map is most notable for its depiction of the Sea of Japan labeled "Mer de Corée" and of "Mer de L'Ouest" or Sea of the West - a great sea, easily the size of the Mediterranean, to flow from the then-known Strait of Juan de Fuca. Australia and New Zealand are depicted in typical post-Tasman form, however, unlike other French cartographers at the time who tended to join New Guinea to Tasmania in a single and highly creative, imaginary coastline, Janvier leaves those undiscovered coastlines blank. Early Dutch discoveries are noted in Australia and New Zealand, as are other recent discoveries in the world. The tracks of Magellan, Vasco da Gama, and Francis Drake are shown. According to Don McGuirk, this map shows an early copy of a Buache type 1 Mer de l'Ouest. Four states of this map were found. - Dated 1751. - Dated 1754. Under the title, engraved by "Chambon". Lower left, "A PARIS, chés les Sieurs Longchamps et Janvier, Geographes, rue St Jacques a l'Enseigne de la Place des Victoires." This state and later states is found surrounded by borders with biblical vignettes: God's division of light and darkness on the first day, the creation of the firmament and separation of waters on the second day, the emergence of dry land and vegetation on the third day, and the establishment of the celestial bodies on the fourth day. The fifth and sixth days witness the creation of aquatic and aerial life, followed by the formation of land animals and, ultimately, humans in God's image. he text then transitions to the aftermath of Creation, with Adam and Eve succumbing to temptation, covering themselves with fig leaves, and being expelled from the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve go on to experience the challenges of earthly life, marked by the birth of Cain and Abel. Cain's jealousy leads to the tragic murder of Abel, serving as a cautionary tale against sin. The narrative extends to the building of the first city by Cain, illustrating humanity's quest for shelter and comfort. Tools, instruments, and artistic pursuits emerge, culminating in the opulence we witness today. However, the story takes a somber turn as God observes the wickedness of humanity on Earth. - Dated 1788. Now "chez Mondhare and Jean". - Dated An 8 (1799-1800). Now "Paris Chez Jean rue Jean de Beauvois. Reference: McGuirk, The Last Great Cartographic Myth - Mer de l'Ouest, 30. Later colored. Some parts are contemporarily underlaid with paper, for protective reasons. Repair of a split on the crossing of folds. Some paper discoloration. Some staining and folds. No loss of text. A good copy of a rare wall map.