1780 - An original Antique Map by Rigobert Bonne & Guillaume Thomas Raynal titled: 'LES ROYAUMES D'ESPAGNE ET DE PORTUGAL'
A fine example of Rigobert Bonne and Guilleme Raynal's 1780 map of Spain and Portugal. Includes the islands of Ibiza, Minorque, and Majorque. Shows towns, rivers, some topographical features, political boundaries and important roadways.

Overall size of map is 37cm x 25cm.

PROVENANCE: Drawn by R.Bonne for G.Raynal's "ATLAS DE TOUTES LES PARTIES CONNUES DU GLOBE TERRESTRE, DRESSE POUR l'HISTOIRE PHILOSOPHIQUE ET POLITIQUE DES ETABLISSEMENTS ET DU COMMERCE DES EUROPEENS DANS LES DEUX INDES"

CARTOGRAPHERS 
Rigobert Bonne (1727-1795 ) was one of the most important cartographers of the late 18th century. In 1773 he succeeded Jacques Bellin as Royal Cartographer to France in the office of the Hydrographer at the Depôt de la Marine. Working in his official capacity Bonne compiled some of the most detailed and accurate maps of the period. Bonne's work represents an important step in the evolution of the cartographic ideology away from the decorative work of the 17th and early 18th century towards a more detail oriented and practical aesthetic. With regard to the rendering of terrain Bonne maps bear many stylistic similarities to those of his predecessor, Bellin. However, Bonne maps generally abandon such common 18th century decorative features such as hand coloring, elaborate decorative cartouches, and compass roses. While mostly focusing on coastal regions, the work of Bonne is highly regarded for its detail, historical importance, and overall aesthetic appeal.

Guillaume Thomas Raynal (April 12, 1711 - March 6, 1796) was a French writer, philosopher, and historian active during the Enlightenment. Raynal was educated as a Jesuit, but left the order for unknown reasons, and moved to Paris where he dedicated himself to the production of a number of minor but popular historical works. Raynal's histories opened doors to elite social and artistic circles where he met and befriended various members of the Philosophe Coteries. Raynal's most important work is generally considered to be a 1770 collaboration with Diderot and others entitled, L'Histoire philosophique et politique des établissements et du commerce des Européens dans les deux Indes. Some of the philosophical ideas developed in the book drew negative attention from the authorities who banned the book and posted a notice for the arrest of its authors. Raynal fled to Berlin and later to St. Petersburg, where he lived for a number of years before returning to France in 1787. Though not a cartographer Raynal's name is often attached to several Atlases by Rigobert Bonne, from whom he composed the text.