Bidspirit auction | Antique Engraving of Alexandria, Egypt

Antique Engraving of Alexandria, Egypt – Alain Manesson Mallet, Paris c.1683 | “ALEXANDRIE” from Description de l’Univers | Rare 17th-Century View - A finely detailed 17th-century copperplate engraving of Alexandria, Egypt, created by Alain Manesson Mallet (1630–1706), the distinguished French cartographer, engineer, and author of the monumental Description de l’Univers (Paris, 1683). The plate is titled “ALEXANDRIE”, with the heading “DE L’AFRIQUE. FIGURE XXIV.”, identifying it as part of Mallet’s volume on Africa. The engraving presents a bird’s-eye panoramic view of the port city seen from the Mediterranean Sea, with detailed depictions of ships, fortifications, the city walls, and notable architectural landmarks. The verso text (page 62) describes the city’s religious, historical, and cultural landmarks — including St. Mark’s Church, St. Catherine’s Church, the supposed Tomb of Alexander the Great, the ruins of Cleopatra’s palace, and Pompey’s Column. 📜 Artist: Alain Manesson Mallet (1630–1706) 📘 Source: Description de l’Univers, Paris, 1683 (early edition) 🗺 Subject: Alexandria, Egypt 🖨 Technique: Copperplate engraving 📏 Sheet size: approx. 21×14 cm 📑 Condition: Very good, light age toning, crisp impression A rare and evocative 17th-century engraving, beautifully illustrating one of antiquity’s most iconic Mediterranean cities — a timeless piece of early cartographic art and history.