Le Royaume de Portugal et des Algarves

Superb example of Jaillot’s large map of Portugal, incorporating the Kingdom of the Algarves.
Although Jaillot attributes this map to Sanson, it is difficult to ascertain how much influence the “Father of French Cartography” had upon the geography of this map. Certainly Sanson’s 1653 map of Portugal shows different coastal detail and its title does not mention the Kingdom of the Algarves. However, Jaillot did work with Nicholas Sanson the Younger and probably had access to the Sanson family archives. Sanson the Elder was also a hugely respected figure in cartography and Jaillot often used his name as a marketing tool, promoting his connection with the firm.
The work must have been successful as this map was rapidly re-issued by Jaillot’s frequent collaborator, Pierre Mortier in Amsterdam and then later by Mortier’s successor, the firm of Covens and Mortier.
It is unusually decorative for a map of the French School, with an elaborate cartouche featuring the classical figures of Hermes and Poseidon on the upper left as well as another image incorporating a scale on the lower left. The map has been illuminated with full original body colour, again an unusual feature on French maps of this era.
Original colour.