Pierre Moullart-Sanson – Planisphere Moullart, 1695 Antique world maps HQ

The work presents a complex cartographic representation, structured around a central, unfolded globe and accompanied by supplementary projections. The dominant visual element is the spherical projection itself, divided into hemispheres labeled Hemisphere Occidentale, Hemisphere Septentrionale, Hemisphere Orientale, and Globe Terrestre. These labels indicate an attempt to comprehensively depict the known world from multiple perspectives.
The globe’s surface is densely populated with geographical details – coastlines, rivers, mountain ranges, and place names rendered in a delicate script. The cartography exhibits a characteristic style of the late 17th century, blending observed data with speculative representations of unexplored regions. Notably, Antarctica appears as a largely conjectural landmass, reflecting contemporary understanding rather than empirical observation.
Beneath the central globe, six smaller circular projections are arranged horizontally. These appear to be sectional views or alternative mappings intended to provide further detail or different perspectives on specific areas. The presence of these supplementary maps suggests an ambition to offer a multifaceted and exhaustive geographical overview.
Flanking the main cartographic elements are extensive blocks of text in French. These texts likely contain explanatory notes, descriptions of regions, or perhaps even allegorical narratives related to exploration and discovery. Their prominence indicates that the work is not merely a visual representation but also an intellectual treatise on geography and its significance. The script itself appears meticulously rendered, suggesting a high degree of craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The overall impression is one of meticulousness and ambition. Here we see a document reflecting the burgeoning scientific curiosity of the era, where cartography served as both a tool for navigation and a means of asserting knowledge and control over the world. The combination of detailed mapping with textual commentary suggests an intention to educate, inform, and perhaps even inspire further exploration. The aged appearance of the paper – its discoloration and subtle imperfections – adds a layer of historical depth, hinting at its journey through time and the legacy it carries as a testament to early modern cartographic endeavors.