Engraving, Title page of Atlas du voyage de Lapérouse
DETAILS
TitleEngraving, Title page of Atlas du voyage de LapérouseDate1797About this objectThis title page of Atlas du voyage de Lapérouse is likely 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.98.1-38Place madeFranceSourceLa Perouse MuseumOrganisations (Detailed entries)La Perouse Museum (La Perouse, N.S.W.)
Engraving, Title page of Atlas du voyage de Lapérouse (1797). Randwick City Council, accessed 22/10/2026, https://ourstory.randwick.nsw.gov.au/nodes/view/15081
