Property from an Important European Collection
A pair of Louis XIV terrestrial and celestial table globes by Nicolas Bion (1652-1733), Paris, early 18th century
Lot Closed
December 5, 03:55 PM GMT
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 EUR
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Read more.Lot Details
Description
the terrestrial globe composed of twenty-four hand tinted copper-engraved half gores and two polar calottes, mounted in a wooden meridian with engraved graduated scales, the meridian mounted within a revolving wooden inner horizontal ring, the octagonal (outer) horizon ring applied with coloured engraved calendar, zodiac and degree scales, raised on an octagonal ebonized wooden stand with eight pentagonal baluster pilasters on an open-worked base; the celestial globe executed ensuite, the terrestrial globe with cartouche signed A Paris Chez N. Bion Ingenieur du Roy pour les Instruments de Mathematique sur le Quay d’Horloge du Palais avec Privilege du Roy 170., the celestial globe signed Dediée et presentée A Monseigneur le Dauphin par son tres humble et tres obiessant Serviteur Bion (2)
46 cm high, 46 cm diameter, globes: 32 cm diameter
Such was the skill of Nicolas Bion (1652/53-1733) in the manufacture of globes that he was given the title of Ingénieur du Roy pour les instruments de mathématique, supplying the ‘Sun King’ Louis XIV with globes but also serving other royal and aristocratic patrons such as Tsar Peter the Great of Russia. He was based on the Quai de l'Horloge in Paris, where he made not only globes but also various mathematical instruments like quadrants, compasses and protractors (such as the set with his signature in the Louvre, OA 10832), and scientific instruments like astrolabes and sundials. In making these, he worked to the standards set by the Académie royale des sciences and the Observatoire de Paris of Jean-Dominique Cassini, which had been founded by Louis XIV in 1666 and 1667 respectively as part of his drive to promote scientific advancement in France. His early training was probably as a foundry worker in various metals, since he was likely apprenticed Corporation des Fondeurs. He also published numerous important academic studies on globes and mathematical instruments, which were soon translated into other major European languages and were printed in several editions. He married Catherine Malafaire in 1678, and would later the business over to his son Jean-Baptiste Nicolas Bion, under whom it would operate until 1770. Upon his death, Nicolas Bion’s assets were estimated to be 66,000 livres, a testament to the strong success of his business.