Marche

1814 · 007271 — 1814. Quarter Vellum. Cloth Boards. Near Fine. Spectacular manuscript estate survey maps from early 19th Century. Folio 53 by 39 cm. 6 text pages followed by ten double paged maps all handsomely colored and detailed. The first nine maps are numbered 2 to 10 per table in front showing that notwithstanding the enumeration there is not a missing map. One map with extra fold-out flap addenda. An additional double-sided hand-colored map in the back inserted into the foliio and then two additional hand-colored survey maps by de la Marche or his son loose -- never bound in -- architectural sketch of the chateau footprint done in pen-and-ink -- two other smaller less visually exciting maps and some correspondence. Maps are colored in greens reds yellows and blues. The washes of color together with the obvious precision of the draftsmanship render these maps utilitarian in purpose originally pleasing to the eye and very decorative. Tiny vignettes of churches mark villages and forests are signified by dots representing trees as was the convention. This chateau belonged to M. François Louis Barrairon at the time. It is located in the Indre-et-Loire Department and is between and equidistant to Tours and Vendome. Condition: bottom of leaves stained and sometimes slightly chipped or chewed looking. A few other minor chips. A few un-obtrusive well-executed repairs of tears. unknown