Tableau Uranographique et Cosmographique

Schematic plan of astronomical and topographical features, from ‘Atlas Illustre destine a l’Enseignement de la Geographie Elementaire’, by J.G. Barbie du Bocage, published by Basset, Paris and Guyot, Lyon

An uncommon and attractive 1852 astronomical and cosmographical chart by Alexandre Aimé Vuillemin. Includes numerous charts showing the Ptolemaic planetary system, the modern planetary system, the Lunar system the seasons, directions, an armillary sphere, etc... Along the bottom of the map several classical style decorative frames depict a storm at sea, an avalanche, a waterfall, and an volcano. Prepared by M. Vuillemin and J. G. Barbie du Bocage for publication as plate no. 1 in Maison Basset’s 1852 edition of the Atlas Illustre.

Alexandre Aimé Vuillemin (1812 - 1880) was an engraver, publisher and editor based in Paris in the mid-19th century. Despite a prolific publishing career, much of Vuillemin's life is shrouded in mystery. He studied under the publisher Auguste Henri Dufour (1798 - 1865). Vuillemin's most important work is his detailed and highly decorative large-format Atlas Illustre de Geographie Commerciale et Industrielle. 

Maison Basset (1819 - 1865) was a French publishing company active in the mid to late 19th century. The company traces its roots to André Basset (active 1768-87), who began publishing maps, prints and books around 1768. Maison Basset, also Chez Basset, is the brand name under which the heirs of Paul-André Basset (1785-1819) operated after his death. From their offices at 64 Rue St. Jacques, then 33 Rue de Seine, Paris, France, Maison Basset published the works of important French cartographers and engravers such as Barbie du Bocage, A. Vuillemin, J. B. Charle, V. Levasseur, Tu. Duvotenay, H. Dufor, F. E. George and others. Their range of publications is varied and wide, but strongly focused on medical and scientific texts, including some important atlases. 

Copperplate with fine later hand colour, good condition.