Rare Old Map of the Philippines by Bellin, 1752: Rococco Reduction of Murillo Velarde's Map

The "Carte Reduite des Isles Philippines Pour Servir Aux Vaisseaux du Roy Dressée au Dépost des Cartes Plans et Journaux de la Marine" is a masterful creation by Jacques-Nicolas Bellin, the esteemed Hydrographer to the Royal French Navy. Crafted in 1752, this map stands as one of the earliest large-format sea charts of the Philippine Archipelago, meticulously detailing the islands with an unparalleled level of precision. Bellin's work is not merely a cartographic achievement but a historical artifact that captures the intricate geography and settlements of the Philippines during a time of significant political tension and exploration.

Bellin's map is a testament to the detailed and scholarly approach of 18th-century French cartography. The map is based on the pioneering work of Padre Pedro Murillo Velarde, whose 1744 map of the Philippines was the first broadly accurate representation of the islands. Bellin, while drawing heavily from Velarde's work, introduced his own enhancements, including the mythical island of "St. Jean," reflecting the era's blend of empirical observation and inherited myths. The map's elegant composition, adorned with a rococo-neo-classical title cartouche, is a visual delight that speaks to the artistic sensibilities of the time.

The map is a rich tapestry of political and physical geography, labeling all major settlements, rivers, and lakes. It captures the entire Philippine Archipelago, from the bustling city of Manila to the serene shores of Cebu and the strategic outpost of Zamboanga. The seas surrounding the islands are crisscrossed with rhumb lines, indicating the navigational routes essential for the French Navy. This network of lines not only aids in maritime navigation but also adds a dynamic element to the map's design, symbolizing the interconnectedness of the islands and the broader world.

Bellin's creation is more than a navigational tool; it is a historical document that provides insight into the geopolitical landscape of the mid-18th century. The map was produced during a period of mounting tension between France and Great Britain, leading up to the Seven Years' War. As an ally of Spain, the ruler of the Philippines, France had a vested interest in maintaining updated and accurate sea charts. Bellin's map was part of this strategic effort, ensuring that the French Navy was well-prepared for any potential conflicts in the region.

The map's intricate details extend beyond the coastlines to the interior landscapes, depicting mountain ranges, rivers, and lakes with remarkable accuracy. It offers a glimpse into the natural beauty and diversity of the Philippine islands, from the rugged terrain of Luzon to the lush greenery of Mindanao. This blend of natural and human geography makes Bellin's map a valuable resource for historians, geographers, and collectors alike, preserving a snapshot of the Philippines as it was seen through the eyes of one of history's great cartographers.

Cities and towns on this map

• Manila
• Cebu
• Iloilo
• Zamboanga
• Vigan
• Laoag
• Legazpi
• Naga
• Tacloban
• Bacolod
• Davao
• Butuan
• Surigao
• Cagayan de Oro
• Cotabato
• Jolo
• Puerto Princesa
• Dumaguete
• Roxas

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations:
• Large title cartouche with rococo-neo-classical design.
• Bodies of water:
• Numerous seas and straits surrounding the Philippine Archipelago.
• Borders:
• Outlines of the Philippine islands and neighboring regions.
• Mountains:
• Various mountain ranges and peaks indicated within the islands.
• Other notable features:
• Rhumb lines indicating navigational routes.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Carte Reduite des Isles Philippines Pour Servir Aux Vaisseaux du Roy Dressée au Dépost des Cartes Plans et Journaux de la Marine
• Creation date: 1752
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Jacques-Nicolas Bellin
• Context about the mapmaker: Jacques-Nicolas Bellin (1703-1772) was the official Hydrographer to the Royal French Navy.
• Large Format Sea Chart: One of the earliest obtainable large format maps of the Philippines.
• Historical significance: One of the seminal works of the mapping of the Philippines, highly detailed and based on the finest sources.
• Sources: Based on the work of Padre Pedro Murillo Velarde, particularly his 1744 map of the Philippines.
• Design and Style: Features a large title cartouche of a transitional rococo-neo-classical style.
• Political Context: Produced during a period of political tension, just before the Seven Years' War (1756-63).
• Map Improvements: Includes several additions by Bellin, although he reintroduced the mythical island of "St. Jean".
• Themes shown on the map:
• Political and Physical Map: Labels all major settlements, rivers, and lakes.
• Rhumb Lines: The seas are traversed by numerous rhumb lines, indicating navigational routes.
• Regions shown on the map:
• Philippine Archipelago: Includes the entire Philippine Archipelago.
• Neighboring regions: Portions of Borneo and other nearby islands.
• Historical significance:
• French Naval Needs: Created to provide updated sea charts for the French Navy.
• Cartographic Evolution: Reflects the process of trial and error reconciliation of modern and older information in 18th-century French scientific mapmaking.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.