Barbados Island at the Height of the Plantation Economy, 1759

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Carte de l'Isle de la Barbade by Jacques-Nicolas Bellin (1703–1772), Circa 1759 This rare antique map of Barbados, titled Carte … Read more Carte de l'Isle de la Barbade by Jacques-Nicolas Bellin (1703–1772), Circa 1759 This rare antique map of Barbados, titled Carte de l'Isle de la Barbade, was created by the esteemed French cartographer Jacques-Nicolas Bellin around 1759. The map is a highly collectible piece from the 18th century, showcasing Barbados during the height of its plantation economy, when sugar production dominated the island. Measuring 9.75 x 7.75 inches (24.765 x 19.685 cm), it provides detailed representations of Barbados' parishes, towns, roads, and coastline. Bellin’s maps are renowned for their precision and elegance, making this a valuable acquisition for collectors of antique maps and those interested in colonial history. This map was published for the Histoire générale des voyages, a monumental work on exploration. Bellin, as Hydrographer to the King of France, is known for his nautical charts and colonial maps that capture the world during a transformative era in global trade and colonization. This map of Barbados is especially relevant for collectors of Caribbean maps, plantation economy artifacts, and those interested in the history of slavery and British colonialism. Similar editions of this Jacques-Nicolas Bellin map are found in prestigious collections such as the University of Michigan and the University of Florida, highlighting its scarcity and value. Don’t miss this opportunity to own a piece of 18th-century cartographic history. The island is shown during a period when it was a major hub for sugar production, relying on enslaved laborers brought from Africa, and influenced by Dutch plantation managers. Longitude is measured in degrees from Paris, following the French cartographic standards of the time. This map provides a fascinating snapshot of Barbados' role in the global economy of the 18th century and is a rare collectible, with similar editions held in the University of Michigan and University of Florida collections. Condition: Very Good to Excellent, beautifully hand-colored, with slight edge wear typical of maps from this era. See less