Bauche, Philippe. Planisphere Physique. Paris, c. 1781.

Philippe Bauche (French, 1700-1773) Planisphere Physique Paris, c. 1781 Engraved map with original hand color 20 7/8 x 27 3/4 inches Philippe Buache’s Planisphere Physique represents a significant contribution to 18th-century cartography, reflecting the Enlightenment’s growing emphasis on scientific inquiry and the natural world. As a pioneer of physical geography, Buache sought to map not only political boundaries but also the physical features of the Earth, including mountain ranges, rivers, and oceanic currents, in an effort to understand the interconnectedness of the planet's natural systems. This engraved map offers a global view of the continents, showcasing Buache’s innovative approach to representing physical geography. Notably, it includes theoretical depictions of underwater mountain chains and oceanic ridges, a groundbreaking concept at the time, highlighting the French geographer’s interest in the Earth’s topography and geology. The original hand coloring further emphasizes