1798 - A large and rare copperplate antique engraved map titled:" PLAN OF PART OF THE ISLAND OF MAOUNA Visited by the Boussole & Astrolabe in December 1787 - PLAN OF MASSACRE COVE on the North West Side of Maouna, one of the Navigator Islands (situation of the boats of the French Ships at the time of the massacre December 11th 1787) ".
PROVENANCE: Taken from "VOYAGE ROUND THE WORLD performed in the years 1785, 1786, 1787 and 1788 by the Boussole and Astrolabe" by J.F.G. de la Perouse, published by The Order of the National Assembly.

Excellent condition with expert hand colouring and large margins, perfect for mounting and framing.

Size approximately 39cm x 25cm.
Jean-Francois de Galaup Laperouse (1741-1788?) was a French Naval Officer and explorer. He entered the naval college in Brest when he was fifteen and in 1757 was posted to Celebre and participated in a supply expedition to the fort of Louisbourg in New France. His naval career continued and was involved in several major campaigns and was promoted to the rank of Commodore when he defeated the English frigate - ARIEL in the West Indies. He was also involved in the Battle of the Saintes and made his name when he captured two English forts ont he coast of Hudson Bay.
In 1785, he was appointed by Louis XVI to lead an expedition around the world and included the likes of Chile, Hawaii, Alaska, California, East Asia, Japan, Russia, Australia and the South Pacific where it appears he met his demise. In March 1788, the expedition left New South Wales, bound for New Caledonia, Santa Cruz, the Solomons, the Louisades and the western and southern coasts of Australia. While Laperouse had reported in a letter from Port Jackson that he expected to be back in France by June 1789,, neither he nor any member of his expedition were seen again.