Pierre du Val

Pierre Du Val (1619–1683) was a prominent French geographer and mapmaker during the 17th century. Born in Abbeville, he was the son-in-law of the famous French cartographer Nicolas Sanson, often regarded as the founder of modern French cartography. Under Sanson’s tutelage, Du Val gained access to extensive geographical knowledge and advanced cartographic techniques, allowing him to develop his reputation in the field. His early work drew heavily from Sanson’s methods, but Du Val quickly distinguished himself through his meticulous attention to detail and the aesthetic quality of his maps.

Du Val became the official geographer to King Louis XIV in 1650, a prestigious role that placed him at the center of French mapmaking during an era of significant exploration and colonial expansion. He produced a wide array of maps, including regional maps of Europe, detailed globes, and thematic maps that covered subjects such as travel routes and fortifications. His works were celebrated for their accuracy and beauty, helping to elevate French cartography to international prominence. In addition to his maps, Du Val also published atlases and instructional materials, contributing to the education of future generations of geographers and explorers.