Alexis-Hubert Jaillot (1632–1712)...Général de Provence ...1742

Alexis-Hubert Jaillot (1632–1712)
Le Gouvernement Général de Provence Divisé en ses Vigueries, et Terres Adjacentes
Paris: Jaillot, circa 1700
Hand-colored copperplate engraving
Sheet size: 24 x 19 inches

This richly detailed map of Provence by Alexis-Hubert Jaillot, based on the geographic work of Nicolas Sanson, offers an authoritative view of one of France’s most storied regions at the turn of the 18th century. Divided into its historic vigueries (administrative jurisdictions), the map reflects the political and territorial organization of Provence under the Ancien Régime.

Stretching from the Rhône River to the Alpine frontier and south to the Mediterranean coast, the map includes Marseille, Arles, Toulon, and Aix-en-Provence, along with numerous smaller towns, rivers, and fortified locales. Each jurisdiction is distinguished by vivid hand-coloring, while mountain ranges and coastal inlets are engraved in meticulous relief. The cartouche—ornate with royal insignia and classical motifs—underscores the region’s civic identity and the map’s intended use among royal administrators and provincial elites.

Jaillot, one of the most prominent French cartographers of the late 17th century, inherited and expanded the geographic legacy of his father-in-law, Nicolas Sanson. His maps were noted for their large format, elegant engraving, and integration of scientific measurement with political geography.

An important and visually impressive document of pre-Revolutionary Provence, this map stands as a lasting testament to the precision and artistry of French royal cartography.