Carte Des Trois Ordres Qui Composent L’Etat De La Republique De Pologne Scavoir Le Roi, Le Senat Et La Noblesse

The political organization of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth during the early 18th century.

“Map of the Three Orders Which Make Up the State of the Republic of Poland namely the King, the Senate and the Nobility” – Title

This beautiful copperplate engraved sheet is an elaborate presentation of the political hierarchy of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The top of the page provides bird’s eye views of three major cities –  Warsaw, Krakow, and Vilna. The center scene is particularly elaborate, showing intricate details like trading barges, costumed travelers, and distinct architecture.

Descriptive text, in French, details the composition of the local legislative body. This was known as the General Sejm and it was comprised of three orders or estates; the King, the Senate, and the Nobility. The ability to wage war, generate revenue streams, and propose new laws are all discussed in some detail. The effectiveness of the Sejm was hindered by the liberum veto, a rule that allowed any member to immediately end the session.

The sheet was published in Paris around 1710 as part of Henri Abraham Chatelain’s important Atlas Historique. This monumental seven-volume set was first issued in Amsterdam between 1705 and 1720, but was re-printed in numerous subsequent editions. The scholarly work offers a nuanced synthesis of geography, cosmography, history, religion, ethnology, and political science that provides fascinating contemporary details through the inclusion of descriptive text, maps, charts, diagrams, and illustrations.