Jacques Nicolas Bellin (1703 - 1772)

Bellin was a French multifaceted hydrographer and geographer had an incredibly successful 50 year career producing maps. His illustrious career started at just 18 years of age when he was appointed Chief Cartographer to the French Navy in 1721. His attention to detail, accuracy and high standard of workmanship resulted in him playing an integral role to France’s leadership in European cartography. In addition to being the Chief Cartographer of France’s hydrographic office, he was also a member of the Académie de Marine, the Royal Society of London, and the Philosophes (French intellectual group).