Les Isles Philippines, celle de Formose, le Sud de la Chine, les Royaumes de Tunkin, de Cochin Chine, de Camboge, de Siam, des Laos…

Title

Les Isles Philippines, celle de Formose, le Sud de la Chine, les Royaumes de Tunkin, de Cochin Chine, de Camboge, de Siam, des Laos…

Description

Map shows Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam and the Phillippines. On inset map the Marianne islands and the island Guam.

ca. 1750

Artist

Bonne (1727-1795)

Rigobert Bonne (1727–1795) was one of the most important cartographers of the late 18th century. In 1773 Bonne succeeded Jacques Nicolas 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.

Historical Description

The Thai may not immigrated to what is now Thailand until the 11th century. They established several kingdoms that were united in the centuries that followed. However, until the 19th century there was no national state of Thailand, but the many local principalities (Müang) remained and were only obliged to pay tribute to the rulers in the center. These networks of Müang dependent on a ruler are called mandalas. Their area of influence had no fixed borders, but could expand and contract again over time. During the colonial era, Thailand managed to maintain its independence and it developed into a modern central state.