Map of French and Spanish Antilles with Hispaniola St Domingue by Rigobert Bonne, 1780s

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Hispaniola St Domingue – French & Spanish Antilles Map by Rigobert Bonne, c.1780 This finely engraved late-18th-century map depicts the … Read more Hispaniola St Domingue – French & Spanish Antilles Map by Rigobert Bonne, c.1780 This finely engraved late-18th-century map depicts the island of Hispaniola, titled Carte de l’Isle de St. Domingue, une des Grandes Antilles, Colonie Françoise et Espagnole, engraved circa 1780 by Rigobert Bonne, one of the leading figures of Enlightenment-era French cartography. The map shows the entire island, then divided between the French colony of Saint-Domingue and the Spanish territory of Santo Domingo, offering a clear scientific view of one of the most economically and politically important islands in the Caribbean. Bonne served as Ingénieur-Hydrographe de la Marine and chief cartographer at the Dépôt de la Marine in Paris, where he succeeded Jacques-Nicolas Bellin. His work marked a decisive shift toward rational, measurement-based cartography, emphasizing clarity, standardized projection, and the synthesis of contemporary geographic and hydrographic intelligence. This map exemplifies Bonne’s mature style, combining dense information with exceptional legibility and restraint. The geography is rendered with notable precision. Mountain ranges, river systems, plains, and coastal features are clearly delineated, while ports, towns, and administrative divisions reflect the island’s strategic and economic significance in the late 18th century. French and Spanish territories are distinctly indicated, underscoring the colonial duality of Hispaniola prior to the Haitian Revolution. Surrounding islands and coastal waters reinforce the map’s maritime context within the Greater Antilles. Visually balanced and architecturally calm, the map’s wide horizontal format, fine line engraving, and generous margins give it strong decorative appeal when framed. It works equally well as a scholarly historical document and as a refined wall piece for a library, study, or contemporary interior. Collectors value Bonne’s Caribbean maps for their clarity, authority, and understated elegance. Condition report Good antique condition. Light age toning and minor handling wear consistent with 18th-century copperplate engraving. Original centerfold as issued. Clean impression with strong legibility; margins ample for framing. Framing tips Best framed in dark walnut or ebonized wood with a generous ivory or warm off-white mat. Museum glass recommended to preserve detail and enhance contrast. Particularly effective as a wide-format focal piece. SEO keywords Hispaniola antique map, St Domingue antique map, Santo Domingo map 18th century, Saint Domingue French colony map, Spanish Santo Domingo map, Haiti Dominican Republic historical map, Greater Antilles map, Caribbean colonial map, French Enlightenment cartography, Rigobert Bonne map, sugar colony Caribbean map, colonial Caribbean history, decorative antique wall map, historical map Americas Technique: Copperplate engraving Maker: Rigobert Bonne, France, circa 1780 See less