Plan de la Ville d’Orleans

Wonderfully decorative city plan of Orleans by Nicholas de Fer.

Published by Nicholas de Fer in 1705, this map presents a wonderful stylized view of the French city of Orleans. The Loire River features prominently in the foreground, in which a number of boats and barges can be seen, reflecting the city’s long mercantile history. Prominent buildings are individually illustrated and labeled according to a legend on the right side – 31 in total – while numerous other features are also depicted.

The image also features two decorative strapwork cartouches. In the upper right can be seen Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orleans, and a cherub fighting off a dragon. While one reference is obvious, they perhaps both relate to the conflict with England.