Marseille, France Baldwin & Cradock Antique Town Plan 1841

Title: Marseille

Historic steelplate engraved antique map in hand coloring of Marseille, France
This beautiful map of Marseille, created in the early 19th century, offers a detailed depiction of the city and surrounding area, featuring iconic buildings and fortifications during a period when Marseille was one of France’s most important Mediterranean ports.
Key features include Fort Saint-Nicolas and Fort Saint-Jean, which guard the entrance to the Vieux-Port, the city's historic harbor.
The Abbey of Saint Victor and La Vieille Charité are prominently marked, reflecting Marseille’s rich religious and architectural heritage.
The city’s distinct layout, with its mix of medieval and baroque structures, is vividly captured.
A particularly striking feature of the map is its attention to detail, showcasing both the old town and key landmarks like Hôtel de Ville and Château d’If, famously featured in The Count of Monte Cristo.

Publisher: Baldwin & Cradock, a notable British publishing firm active in the early 19th century, known for its works in geography, history, and cartography, including this map, published for The Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge (SDUK). The SDUK aimed to make education accessible through affordable materials and was a key influence in democratizing knowledge in the early to mid-19th century.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 41 x 34.5 cm (16.25 x 13.5 inches)
• Image: 38 x 30 cm (15 x 11.75 inches)

The map’s overall condition is very good, with light browning along the sheet edges, typical for its age. The image remains clear, vibrant, and is an exceptional example of historical cartography.

Keywords: antique map, hand-colored map, early 19th century, Marseille map, SDUK map, Baldwin & Cradock, Vieux-Port, Fort Saint-Jean, Fort Saint-Nicolas, Château d’If, Abbey of Saint Victor, La Vieille Charité, historic Marseille, French port city map, The Count of Monte Cristo, cartography, architectural heritage