Engraving, Title page of Atlas du voyage de Lapérouse
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TitleEngraving, Title page of Atlas du voyage de LapérouseDate1797About this objectThis title page of Atlas du voyage de Lapérouse is one of 37 copperplate engravings from the first edition of the atlas, published by the Imprimerie de la Republique in 1797. Designed in the style of a typical allegorical painting, the image depicts a group of figures centred around a large, unfurled map, with dotted lines indicating the route of La Pérouse’s voyage. Elements such as an anchor, armillary sphere, sextant, telescope, marine sandglass and sketching paper highlight the navigation theme of the image. The floral specimens, figures in robes and fur, and the landscape in the background are reminiscent of the observations made during the expedition, which are depicted throughout the atlas.
The original copperplates of the 1797 atlas accompanying the journal of La Pérouse’s expedition during 1785 and 1788 are now held in the collection of the Musée de la Marine, Paris. They were etched in 1796-1797 based on sketches sent back to France during the expedition.Object No.98.1-34Inscriptions & marksAtlas du voyage de La Pérouse / Dessiné par J. M. Moreau le Jeune / Gravé par Ph. Triere / L. Aubert scripsit.Place madeFranceSourceLa Perouse MuseumProvenance 1797 – printed as the first edition of Atlas du voyage de Lapérouse, published by the Imprimerie de la Republique;
1974 – found by Mrs Edith Avramoussi in an attic in a house in Paris;
1978 – brought to Australia by Avramoussi;
1998 – donated to the La Perouse Museum by Avramoussi.Credit lineGift of Edith Avramoussi, 1998Acquisition date1998Organisations (Detailed entries)La Perouse Museum (La Perouse, N.S.W.)ThemesEuropean arrivals
Engraving, Title page of Atlas du voyage de Lapérouse (1797). Randwick City Council, accessed 15/02/2026, https://ourstory.randwick.nsw.gov.au/nodes/view/13877
