Accuratissima Galliae Tabula — Royaume de France

Accuratissima Galliae Tabula — Royaume de France

Frederik de-Wit

France, late 17th century

This large-format engraved map of France was produced in Amsterdam in the late seventeenth century by Frederik de Wit, one of the central figures of the Dutch Golden Age of cartography. Titled Accuratissima Galliae Tabula vulgo Royaume de France, the map presents France as a unified political and geographic entity at a moment when its internal boundaries, road networks, and administrative divisions were being actively consolidated.

De Wit’s engraving is dense and confident, reflecting the Dutch emphasis on precision and legibility. Rivers, cities, regional borders, and mountain ranges are rendered with remarkable clarity, while coastal outlines and maritime details reflect Amsterdam’s commercial and naval worldview. The Channel (La Manche), Bay of Biscay, and Mediterranean are carefully delineated, situating France within its broader European and Atlantic context.

The map is further distinguished by an elaborate allegorical cartouche featuring classical figures and royal arms, reinforcing the authority of the French crown while showcasing the decorative sophistication expected of high-quality Dutch wall maps. Original hand color—restrained and period-correct—adds subtle emphasis to regional divisions without overwhelming the engraved detail.

This example survives in honest, unembellished condition. Multiple fold lines, age toning, and light foxing speak to centuries of handling and use, rather than later cosmetic intervention. It is a working map that has endured, retaining both visual strength and historical presence.

Details

Title: Accuratissima Galliae Tabula vulgo Royaume de France

Date: Circa 1680–1690

Place: Amsterdam

Medium: Copperplate engraving with original hand color

Maker: Frederik de Wit

Subject: Kingdom of France; political and geographic cartography

Dimensions: Approximately 23 x 21 inches (sheet, measured at widest points)

Edition: Single-sheet map, from de Wit’s late 17th-century cartographic output

Condition: Good antique condition. Pronounced original fold lines both vertical and horizontal, including a reinforced lower fold. General age toning and scattered foxing consistent with period use. No significant losses or modern restoration. Paper remains stable and fully legible.

Framing: Unframed

Provenance: European private collection; later American collection

Portfolio: Blackwell Portfolio — Cartography