Carte de l’Isle de Minorque. . . 1756

This important map of the island of Menorca was made by Jean-Baptiste Nolin, a leading 18th-century Parisian cartographer. Published in the context of the Seven Years’ War, this plan reflects France’s strategic interest in the island, then under British control. This map was made shortly before the capture of Menorca by the French troops in 1756, led by the Duke of Richelieu.
Nolin’s work combines cartographic precision with a carefully considered artistic presentation, characteristic of the French decorative maps of the period. Pieces such as this were both strategic tools and objects of prestige. It shows in detail the coastal geography, the inland relief, the territorial divisions, roads, fortresses and principal localities, including Port Mahon and Ciutadella. It includes a cartouche with the title, a graphic scale and orientation notes.