Carte de L'Afrique Propre de la Numidie et D'une Partie de la Mauritanie.
1842 (dated) 16 x 21.5 in (40.64 x 54.61 cm)
An unusual and attractive 1843 map of the ancient empires of Mauritania, Carthage, and Numidia shortly after the end of the Second Punic War. Depicts what is today known as the Barbary Coast around 190 BC. The Empire of Carthage has been annexed as a Roman Province named 'Africa Propria.' Numida, to the west of Carthage retains a semi-independent status because they allied with Rome in 206BC. Still further west, the kingdom of Mauretania has been established as the Roman Province of Mauretania Casariensis. Exhibits the typical detail and scientific precision of Lapie maps. Notes various trade routes, topographical features, and Oases. Prepared by Pierre A. Tardieu as plate no. 14 for the 1843 issue of Lapie's Atlas Universel de Geographie Ancienne et Moderne.
Pierre M. Lapie (fl. 1779 - 1850) and his son Alexandre Emile Lapie (fl. 1809 - 1850) were French cartographers and engravers active in the early part of the 19th century. The Lapies were commissioned officers in the French army holding the ranks of Colonel and Capitan, respectively. Alexander enjoyed the title of "First Geographer to the King", and this title appears on several of his atlases. Both father and son were exceptional engravers and fastidious cartographers. Working separately and jointly they published four important atlases, an 1811 Atlas of the French Empire (Alexander), the 1812 Atlas Classique et Universel (Pierre), the Atlas Universel de Geographie Ancienne et Modern (joint issue), and the 1848 Atlas Militaire (Alexander). They also issued many smaller maps and independent issues. All of these are products of exceptional beauty and detail. Despite producing many beautiful maps and atlases, the work of the Lapie family remains largely underappreciated by most modern collectors and map historians. The later 19th century cartographer A. H. Dufour claimed to be a student of Lapie, though it is unclear if he was referring to the father or the son. The work of the Lapie firm, with its precise engraving and informational density, strongly influenced the mid-19th century German commercial map publishers whose maps would eventually dominate the continental market.
Pierre Alexander Tardieu (1756 - 1844) was a prominent French cartographer and engraver operating in the mid-19th century. Pierre Tardieu's work is known for its detail and precision. Pierre Alexander Tardieu is frequently confused with both Jean Baptiste Pierre Tardieu and Ambroise Tardieu, two other unrelated French map and print engravers active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Lapie, P. and Lapie, A. E., Atlas Universel de Geographie Ancienne et Moderne, (1842 edition).
Very good condition. Light overall toning. Original pressmark visible. Wide margins. Blank on verso.
Rumsey 2174.014. Phillips (Atlases) 754 and 765.