Jean Baptiste Louis Franquelin Paintings

Jean Baptiste Louis Franquelin was born in 1650, in France. He was an artist of considerable note, particularly recognized for his work as a cartographer. Franquelin became the first official cartographer to the King of France, Louis XIV, for New France, which is present-day Canada. His contributions were significant in the era of French exploration and colonization of the Americas.

Franquelin began his career in New France as a teacher before he devoted himself to cartography. He had a talent for drawing and mapmaking, which he honed under the guidance of the Jesuit priests in Quebec. His skill was soon recognized by the governor of New France, and in 1671, he was appointed as the cartographer for the colony. His maps were not only important navigational tools but also served as instruments of French territorial claims.

One of Franquelin's most notable works is the 'Carte de la Louisiane', which he created in 1684. This map was a significant record of the explorations by René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, and it provided valuable information about the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. Franquelin's maps were often decorated with elaborate cartouches and illustrated with indigenous flora, fauna, and settlements, giving them both an aesthetic and informative character.

Despite his success as a cartographer, Franquelin faced financial difficulties and eventually returned to France. He continued his work in Paris, where he produced maps for the French crown and taught hydrography. Franquelin's maps remained in use for many years and were fundamental to the French understanding and administration of their American territories. He passed away in 1712, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important cartographers of New France.

The significance of Franquelin's work extends beyond his lifetime, as his maps are valuable historical documents today. They offer insights into the geographical knowledge of the time and reflect the extent of French exploration and influence in North America. Franquelin's cartographic legacy is preserved in various archives and collections, and his maps continue to be studied by historians and enthusiasts of cartography.