BONNE, Rigobert (1727-1795).
Globe Terrestre dressee par M. Bonne avec privilège et Approbation de l'Académie R[oya]le des Sciences.
Diameter 12 inches (31 cm).; Overall height 18 inches (48 cm).
Paris, chez Lattre, Rue St. Jacques, 1774.

Terrestrial table globe, the globe made up of two sets of 12 engraved gores, hand-colored in outline, decorated with both title and printers’ cartouches. The greens slightly faded; the varnish replaced in modern times. Wooden meridian circle, green on one face, papered graticule on the other, card hour circle and metal pointer. Papered horizon bar with some careful restoration. The whole globe mounted on a black and gold painted four-legged Continental stand. The horizon supported by the 4 turned wooden legs with broad cross stretchers and ball feet, the whole elaborately painted in black with gold tracery in the French style, likely a late 20th century addition.

Bonne was principally an engineer and cartographer, while Jean Lattre [fl.1750-1800] was the engraver and publisher. Lattre worked with Vaugondy Janvier and then Bonne, on publishing geographical works including several globes. The red color on this globe has been touched up and the stand has been repainted, and embellished with gold decoration to style, but the resulting restoration enhances the globe and creates a most stunning visual effect. Globes by Bonne are rare on the market.