Messico / Nuova Spagna - Empire of Mexico; Jacques-Nicolas Bellin - Carte de l'Empire su Mexique - 1751-1760

Splendid original geographical map of the vast Empire of Mexico during Spanish colonial rule, engraved on copper in 1754 by the renowned royal cartographer and hydrographer of the French Navy, Jacques-Nicolas Bellin.
The map offers a richly detailed overview of Mexico’s central and southern regions, stretching from the Pacific coast (Mer du Sud) to the shores of the Gulf of Mexico (Golphe du Mexique). The most significant urban centers of the period are precisely marked, including Mexico, Guadalajara, Puebla, and the strategic naval base of Acapulco, as well as mountain ranges and major rivers.
A fine asymmetrical cartouche in full Rococo style stands out in the lower left, elegantly adorned with leafy scrolls and shell motifs, and bearing the full title, series information, and year of publication. The internal provincial boundaries and coastlines are highlighted with a delicate contemporary hand-applied watercolor wash. The print is in excellent overall condition, printed on sturdy period paper with wide, clean margins.

Dimensions: 25 x 34 cm
Will be shipped by courier