We are pleased to offer this scarce original map of the Mughal Empire (encompassing what is today northern India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Burma) at the height of its power by Vincenzo Coronelli (1650-1718) of Venice, a Franciscan friar who also served as Royal Geographer to Louis XIV of France.

Perhaps best known for his magnificent globes, Coronelli produced over 400 maps throughout his long career and this scarce and important map is an example of his meticulous emphasis on detail and accuracy while still retaining charming baroque embellishments.

In 1684 Coronelli founded the first modern geographical society - the Accademia Cosmografica degli Argonauti, which eventually attained a membership of over 200 cartographers and scholars throughout Europe.

The basic cartography follows the traditional 17th century Dutch "Magni Mogolis Imperium" format of essentially identical maps issued by Hondius, Blaeu, Jansson and others which were in turn based on British East India Company charts including a survey by the British explorer William Baffin. However, Coronelli also draws on Venetian sources for extensive text entries regarding different cities and peoples of the region that provides a rich portrait of European understanding of the Mughal Empire during the long reign of Emperor Aurangzeb.

Coronelli's bold engraving style, the large format and charming decorative elements - all accentuated here by hand colour work of the very highest calibre - have deservedly made this one of the most sought after antiquarian maps of the region and this example will make an elegant presentation if matted and framed.

Qualifies for license under PD-Art