Get a giclee of Title (Original): Theatre de la Guerre dans L’Inde sur la Coste de Coromandel par M.B.C.T. 1770.

Q: Is Title (Original): Theatre de la Guerre dans L’Inde sur la Coste de Coromandel par M.B.C.T. 1770. under copyright?

No, this artwork is in the public domain.

Q: What is the thematic context of Title (Original): Theatre de la Guerre dans L’Inde sur la Coste de Coromandel par M.B.C.T. 1770.?

military cartography, french colonial warfare, carnatic wars history, 18th century india, bourcet's military mapping

Quick Facts

Subject or theme: 18th Century War in Coromandel Coast
Notable elements: Cartographic vignettes and battle symbols
Title: Theatre de la Guerre dans L’Inde
Year: 1770
Dimensions: 64 x 101 cm
Artist: Jean-Baptiste Bourcet

The finest printed map showcasing the 18th Century theatre of war in the Carnatic and along the Coromandel Coast, a unique example distinguishing Hyder Ali’s domains in manuscript.This magnificent composition focuses on a large map embracing the Coromandel Coast and the Carnatic, from Pulicat, in the north, all the way down south to Cape Comorin, as it appeared during the era running from the Third Carnatic War to the First Anglo-Mysore War, during the 1750s and 1760s. These conflicts involved the EIC and the Nawab of the Carnatic, on one side, versus, at various times, France and the Sultanate of Mysore on the other. This main map is based on a manuscript by the military engineer Jean Bourcet and features all cities, villages, forts, major temples, roads, rivers and territorial boundaries in exacting detail. Every major battle site is marked with the symbol of crossed swords, including the date and names of the relevant French commander, employing letters as symbols to mark the outcome of each battle: ‘G’ means ‘Gagner’ (a French win), ‘P’ makes ‘Perdue’ (a French loss), ‘C’ ‘Canonade’ (a draw), ‘CR’ ‘Canonade avec un Retraite’ (a draw followed by a French retreat), while three naval battles are noted off shore. The panels along the sides and lower part of the map contain 19 cartographic vignettes of key locations in the wars fought in the region. These are based on a series of manuscript maps made in 1777 and 1778 by Louis Marc-Antoine de Valory and Louis François Grégoire Lafitte du Brassier, French officers who were separately engaged in reconnaissance and espionage missions in various parts of Southern India.This unique example features the territory of Mysore, ruled by Hyder Ali, coloured in a pink wash, labeled in manuscript as “Etats de Ayder Aly Kan”.

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Artist Biography

early life and career

jean-baptiste bourcet, also known as jean bourcet, was a french military officer born in usseaux, france in 1713. he died in corte, france in 1771. bourcet played a key role in the realization of maps of the alps and the establishment of the carte de la provence orientale. he was also involved in the campaign of conquest of corsica and served as a brigadier des armées du roi, maréchal de camp and armées du roi.

cartography and military career

bourcet's brother, pierre bourcet, was also a french military officer and cartographer. together, they worked on the cartography of the alps, with jean-baptiste bourcet directing the establishment of the carte de la provence orientale. their work involved triangulation of the mountains, which required climbing to high altitudes. the brothers' contributions to cartography are still recognized today, with their maps being considered some of the most accurate of their time.

artistic legacy

although jean-baptiste bourcet is not primarily known as an artist, his work in cartography and military strategy has had a lasting impact on french history. the musée girodet in montargis, france, showcases the works of french artists, including those who were influenced by the bourcet brothers' cartographic endeavors. the museum's collection includes paintings such as the last bard of wales and mademoiselle lange as danae (sketch), which demonstrate the artistic talent of french artists during this period.

relevant links and references

for more information on jean-baptiste bourcet and his brother pierre, visit ArtsDot's page on jean-baptiste bourcet. additionally, the french wikipedia page on jean bourcet de la saigne provides further details on his life and career. the musée maurice denis in saint-germain-en-laye, france, is another notable museum that showcases french post-impressionism paintings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.