Collection: Antique maps by Charles-François Delamarche
Charles-François Delamarche was a major French geographer of the late 18th century, whose role was crucial in democratizing the use of maps and globes. By acquiring the collections of the most illustrious cartographers of his time, he built an institution that dominated Parisian geographical publishing. A detailed presentation is provided at the bottom of this page.
No products found
Use fewer filters or remove all
The heir to the Vaugondy and Sanson funds
Born in Paris in 1740, Charles-François Delamarche initially practiced law at the Parliament before embarking on a career in geography. His rise was marked by the successive acquisition of the most prestigious collections of the time. He first bought the plates of Jean-Baptiste Fortin, successor to the Robert de Vaugondy, then those of Jean-Claude Dezauche, heir to the funds of Guillaume Delisle and the family Sanson. These acquisitions make him the custodian of an immense cartographic heritage, covering more than a century of discoveries.
A teacher of geography and cosmography
Delamarche's contribution lies in his desire to make geographical sciences accessible to the widest possible audience. He published his major work in 1806, Elements of Geography, a treatise that enjoyed considerable success. Its catalog was not limited to paper maps; it became one of the leading manufacturers of terrestrial globes, celestial globes, and armillary spheres in Paris. By building upon the work of the astronomer Lalande, it incorporated cosmography into its publishing offerings, providing scientific instruments valued for their educational value.
The workshop on Jardinet Street
Located on Rue du Jardinet in the École de Médecine district, Delamarche's workshop became a center of intensive production. His strategy relied on the constant updating of his predecessors' copper plates. During the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era, he adapted border lines and administrative names to reflect current political events. This responsiveness, combined with a unique collection of historical documents, ensured the prosperity of his publishing house in the face of competition from official geographers.
Foundation of a cartographic dynasty
Upon his death in Paris on October 31, 1817, Charles-François Delamarche left behind a thriving business that would remain in the family for several generations. His son, Félix Delamarche succeeded him and continued to publish the atlases and manufacture the globes that had made the name famous. Through his commercial acumen and pedagogical skills, Charles-François Delamarche facilitated the transition between the ceremonial cartography of the Enlightenment and the educational geography of the 19th century, leaving a documentary legacy still used by historians today.