1845 Monnier, Bourguignon-duperré y Lieussou Plan Du Port de Marseille

Map of the Port of Marseille and its surroundings, created in 1845 by Monnier, Bourguignon-Duperré, and Lieussou. Published under the order of the King, this map shows topographical and maritime details of the region. The cartography includes nearby islands and the coastal outline with precision. The paper shows signs of aging, consistent with its antiquity. It retains its structural integrity. This piece is one of the most precise and elegant nautical charts of the 19th century, resulting from the work of the Dépôt Général de la Marine (the official hydrographic service of France). Published in 1845, it captures the port of Marseille at a time of great industrial transformation. Technical Details and Measurements Authors: Signed by the hydrographic engineers Monnier, Bourguignon-Duperré, and Lieussou, key figures in French scientific cartography. Format: Copperplate engraving on thick high-quality paper. Dimensions: The sheet size is typically approximately 90 x 60 cm (format 'Grand Aigle'). Scale: Presents a high level of detail (large scale), ideal for coastal approach and docking. Map Description The chart not only shows navigation but also the detailed topography of the surroundings: Port Area: Shows the 'Vieux Port' (Old Port) before the major expansions of the 19th century, with all docks and depth soundings (in feet or meters). Defenses: The Fort Saint-Jean and Fort Saint-Nicolas, guarding the entrance to the port, are clearly detailed. Surroundings: Includes the islands of If (with its famous castle), Ratonneau, and Pomègues, connected by the dyke built shortly before. Orography: The mountainous relief surrounding the city is represented through artistic shading (hachures) of great realism.