c.1685

Copperplate engraving by Alain Manesson Mallet (1630–1706).

Monopatapa was the empire based at Masvingo, now Zimbabwe.

Mallet was a French cartographer and engineer. He started his career as a soldier in the army of Louis XIV, became a Sergeant-Major in the artillery and an Inspector of Fortifications. He also served under the King of Portugal, before returning to France and his appointment to the court of Louis XIV. 

His military engineering and mathematical background led to his position teaching mathematics at court. His major publications were Description de L'Univers (1683) in 5 volumes, and Les Travaux de Mars ou l'Art de la Guerre (1684) in 3 volumes.

Foxing, small tear near bottom right corner.

210 x 165mm

R2,500