About this sheet
Antique Map of Egypt with Detailed Inset of the Nile Delta, ca. 1799
This finely engraved antique map titled Carte Physique et Politique de l’Égypte presents a detailed and scientifically informed view of Egypt during the Napoleonic period, created around the year An VII (1799) during the French Republic. The map was produced by E. Mentelle and P.G. Chanlaire, both prominent French geographers and contributors to the monumental Atlas National. It was published in Paris and includes two publisher addresses: P.G. Chanlaire, Rue Geoffroy-Langevin No. 528, and E. Mentelle, Galerie du Louvre No. 19.
The map captures Egypt in both its physical and political aspects, tracing the full course of the Nile River from Nubia in the south through Haute (Upper) and Basse (Lower) Egypt, all the way to its multiple mouths flowing into the Mediterranean Sea. A particularly notable feature is the large inset titled Carte Particulière et Détaillée du Delta, offering a highly detailed view of the Nile Delta region. It meticulously charts the branches of the river, canals, and numerous towns including Alexandria, Rosetta, Damietta, Mansourah, Belbeis, and Cairo (Le Caire).
Shaded relief and detailed line work represent the mountainous and desert regions such as the Grand Désert and Arabia Pétrée. The map also shows the Red Sea (Mer Rouge), the Gulf of Suez (Bahr el Kolzoum), and nearby islands such as the Isles de Tiran. Historical and ancient territorial names are included, such as Libye des Anciens, Bohheireh, Kallioubyeh, and Cherqyeh, blending classical geography with contemporary political divisions of the time.
Mentelle and Chanlaire’s collaboration reflects Enlightenment-era geographical scholarship and French strategic interests during Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign. The map includes several different measurement scales, such as ancient miles, Arab parasangs, and French geographic leagues, making it a precise and scholarly cartographic work.
The map is in good condition for its age. It shows original folds as issued. There are minor signs of age including slight foxing and soft toning, mainly in the margins. The engraved lines remain crisp, and the original hand-coloring, particularly along the coastlines and water bodies, is well preserved.
Framing suggestion:
This map would look elegant in a simple wooden or gilt frame with a neutral archival mat in ivory or light beige to complement the subtle coloring. It is recommended to use UV-protective glass to preserve the paper and ink. Due to its layout and inset, a horizontal framing format is ideal.
