RARE MAPS AND PRINTS
[email protected]
+44 7788 628706
  • About
  • Maps
    • British Isles
    • English Counties
    • Road Maps
    • River Thames
    • The Americas
    • Asia to Australia
    • Europe & Middle East
    • World & Hemispheres
    • Sea Charts
    • Military Battle Maps
  • Prints
    • British Topography >
      • Views England & Scotland
      • Views Wales
      • Views London
      • Views River Thames
    • Sporting
    • Amorial
    • Military & Naval
    • Portrait
    • Russian Art
    • Views Italy
  • Resources
    • Reference Books
  • Blog
  • The Colourist

Collecting Miniature Antique Maps - Greenland and North American Coast c1683

4/26/2021

Comments

 
As I've said before on the blog the size of something does not always properly indicate its true value. Often the case when it comes to so called miniature maps. If you're new to collecting. there are some big advantages to collecting small.  The wonderful thing about these smaller antique maps is its a good place to start if you're not sure about how you want to move forward with starting a collection. Obviously the rare items will demand a higher price however its an area where many new collectors can get a foothold.

A favourite of mine is the work of Alain Mallet a French cartographer and engineer. He started his career as a soldier in the army of Louis XIV, became a Sergeant-Major in the artillery and an Inspector of Fortifications. He also served under the King of Portugal, before returning to France, and his appointment to the court of Louis XIV.
Picture
Above: "Groenland" by Alain Manesson Mallet c1683 Greenland, Baffin Bay & Islands, North East Canada, America Coast from Description de L'Univers'. 

His five volume work Description de l'univers was originally published in Paris in 1683 and contained almost 700 small engravings of maps, charts, plans and views. The first volume contained many celestial charts and maps others covered Asia, Africa, Europe, America and the British Isles. A year later in 1684 Johann David Zunner also published an edition with French text.

Alain Mallet is just one cartographer worth considering when it comes to so called miniature antique maps. Good things do come in small sizes. In some cases rare, collectable, small and valuable considering they are over 340 years old!


​You can see more miniature antique maps by Alain Mallet in the World & Hemisphere section on this website HERE
Comments

    LEARN ABOUT MAPS

    Where to Start?  
    The Paper  
    Earliest Maps  
    Whats on the Paper? 
    Rectum & Recto  
    Marketing Devices   
    Why Changing Faces?
    What is  Ornamentation?
    Why all those lines?
    The Embellishment Story

    Illogical Prices Explained
    ​A Reference Library
    ​
    CLICK THE BOOK
    Picture
    Get the FREE Guide!
    ​
    ​
    COLLECTING MAPS

    ​Size Matters!

    Celestial Maps
    Strip Road Maps
    Sea Charts
    On the River of Life
    Projections
    The Sea Monsters
    Thematic Maps
    ​Town Plans


    Buy with Confidence. . . 
    Picture
    More Top Tips for the Novice.  Click the book to find out more . . .
    COLLECTING PRINTS
    ​

    Views of River Thames
    Views of London
    Shipping & Craft
    ​Meet the Fairies
    Maritime Naval
    Military Battles
    Botanical 
    Historic Churches
    Historic Views of Rome

    Archives

    May 2024
    October 2023
    November 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    November 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    March 2020
    November 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019

Contact Info:     
Rare Maps and Prints Limited 
4, Ray House, Cressington Place,
​Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5SL UK 
                             
Kevin J Ryan :     

email: [email protected]         
​
    
          
Picture
Member of
​INTERNATIONAL MAP COLLECTORS SOCIETY 


    Maps & Prints Updates

Subscribe to List

Copyright © 2025 -  Rare Maps and Prints Limited  -  Raremapsandprints.co.uk   All Rights Reserved     Site Map     Terms & Conditions     Privacy Policy
  • About
  • Maps
    • British Isles
    • English Counties
    • Road Maps
    • River Thames
    • The Americas
    • Asia to Australia
    • Europe & Middle East
    • World & Hemispheres
    • Sea Charts
    • Military Battle Maps
  • Prints
    • British Topography >
      • Views England & Scotland
      • Views Wales
      • Views London
      • Views River Thames
    • Sporting
    • Amorial
    • Military & Naval
    • Portrait
    • Russian Art
    • Views Italy
  • Resources
    • Reference Books
  • Blog
  • The Colourist

    Join Our List

sign up
SHOP
Home
Shop
About
Updates
Contact
SOCIAL
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Proudly powered by Weebly