Antique Map of the Russian Empire in Europe by Vaugondy (1750)

Description: Antique map titled 'Partie Occidentale de l'Empire de Russie (..)'. Detailed map of the western part of Russia, extending south to the Caspian and east to Irkurkoy and Ilimskoy.

Artists and Engravers: Gilles Robert de Vaugondy (1688-1766) was the head of a leading family of geographers in eighteenth century France. Gilles got his start when he jointly inherited the shop of Pierre-Moullart Sanson, grandson of the famous geographer Nicholas Sanson. The inheritance included the business, its stock of plates, and a roller press. In 1760 Gilles became geographer to King Louis XV. His son, Didier Robert de Vaugondy (ca. 1723-1786), was also a geographer and the two worked together. They were known for their exactitude and depth of research. In 1757, they produced the Atlas Universel, considered an authority for many years.