Carte des iles South-Orkney, Sandwich, G…

Rare, c.19th large engraved chart issued by the French Depot General de la Marine detailing the South Orkney Islands, South Sandwich Islands, South Georgia, and portions of the southern polar regions, compiled by hydrographer and naval officer Charles Philippe Vincendon-Dumoulin from the original surveys during the French exploration of the Southern Ocean. With the seal of French Depot General de la Marine at lower right.

This finely executed map reflects the improved geographical knowledge gained during Dumoulin’s surveys  of the Antarctic regions by the expedition of Jules Dumont d’Urville, one of the most important French voyages devoted to southern latitudes. It records coastlines, anchorages, soundings, and navigational hazards with notable precision, and includes extensive toponymy applied by French navigators. The chart’s coverage extends deep into the subantarctic zone.