A pair of French 14-inch terrestrial and celestial globes, respectively by Rigobert Bonne (1727-1794) and François de Lalande (1732-1807), 1775 and 1776

Adriano Ribolzi, Monaco, 13 July 2012;

Where acquired.

This pair of globes is highly representative of the development of sciences, particularly geography and astronomy, during the reign of Louis XV. Indeed, the monarch, who became king in 1715 at the age of four, received a comprehensive education under the Regent, encompassing sciences, languages, and arts. Louis XV developed a passion for sciences, notably physics, chemistry, and geography. He supported numerous scientists, funded expeditions, and, influenced by the Marquise de Pompadour, welcomed many scientists to Versailles. 

While geography was initially dominated by the Netherlands, it quickly became a French specialty with the establishment of the Academy des Sciences in 1666 under Louis XIV. The discovery of new territories and the kings’ ambitions for economic and political expansion in Europe spurred geographers to depict the world and its diverse regions, first on maps and later on globes, which offered a clearer representation. Several families excelled in this craft, such as the Vaugondy family, who, from the 1750s, produced large globes displayed at Versailles and collected by wealthy courtiers. However, it was during the reign of Louis XVI that geography gained even greater prominence at Versailles. The young king was passionate about this science and the discoveries of explorers, funding numerous expeditions. One geographer, Rigobert Bonne (1727–1794), particularly advanced his career during this period. Self-taught, he began his career in Flanders before moving to Paris. In 1775, he became the king’s cartographer, serving in the Navy’s hydrographic department. His maps were more precise, prioritizing scientific rigor over decorative embellishments. 

Our terrestrial globe, dated 1776, is presented as a pair with a celestial globe crafted by the astronomer Jérôme Le Français de Lalande (1732–1807), who received the commission in 1775. This paired presentation was a novelty announced by the engraver and publisher Jean Lattré (1722–1788) in a brochure titled “New Celestial and Terrestrial Globes, One Foot in Diameter, the Celestial by M. de La Lande,... the Terrestrial by M. Bonne (Paris, 1775).” These globes, with a diameter of 12 inches, are among the largest models offered, others being 6 or 8 inches. 

Very few paired globes have appeared on the auction market. Among single globes, a terrestrial globe of the same size, dated 1774, was sold at Christie’s London on September 24, 2008, lot 114.