Delamarche Marine globe, 1865.
On application
This exquisite terestrial globe, crafted by the renowned French cartographer Delamarche in 1865, is a remarkable piece of 19th-century globe-making art. Measuring just 3 inches (7.6 cm) in diameter, the globe is mounted on a decorative brass stand adorned with marine motifs, including a telescope, a marine surveyor, and intricate rope detailing.
The cartouche on the globe reads: “Delamarche / Paris / Rue Serpente 25 / 1865,” marking its place of origin and date of creation. The globe is supported by equatorial and meridian circles made of brass, which add both aesthetic beauty and functional precision to the piece.
The brass support is elegantly mounted on a marble base, providing a sturdy and stylish foundation for this miniature marvel. This celestial globe is not only a functional tool for understanding the night sky but also a decorative object that reflects the artistry and craftsmanship of Delamarche’s workshop in Paris during the mid-19th century.
The Delamarche family and their successors were among the most prominent and prolific producers of armillary spheres in France from the late 18th to the late 19th century. The firm was founded by Charles-François Delamarche in the late 18th century, taking over from Jean Fortin and inheriting the remnants of the Robert de Vaugondy family’s workshop, who had been map and globe makers to King Louis XVI. Initially operating from Rue du Foin St. Jacques, Delamarche relocated around 1800 to 13 Rue du Jardinet— the address found on the globe in question. According to Globes of the Western World, Delamarche was the first French globe maker to focus on the educational market, producing affordable globes for the general public. The firm continued to thrive throughout most of the 19th century, managed by Delamarche’s son Félix and other successors.
Total height: 19 cm.
