Jacques Grasset de Saint-Sauveur

Jacques Grasset de Saint-Sauveur was a prominent figure in France in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. In this selection of his images, readers will find an emblematic representation of the inhabitants of the New World, with special focus on their ethnic and cultural differences.
As a diplomat, man of letters and draftsman, Grasset de Saint-Sauveur left an indelible mark on the history and culture of his time. His illustrations offer a unique and detailed perspective of the peoples and cultures that were beginning to be known in Europe, reflecting a diversity that is still fascinating today.
The choice of his works to adorn the covers of our books seeks to highlight the richness and complexity of the distinct cultures of Africa and the New World, offering readers a rationalization of the unique identities that make up these vast and varied regions.
Born in Montreal, New France, in 1757, Grasset de Saint-Sauveur was raised in a family with strong diplomatic and religious roots. Following in the footsteps of his father and brother, Jacques continued his diplomatic career. After a decade working as vice-consul in the commission under his father, he became vice-consul in Hungary and later in Cairo.
In the middle of his life, Grasset de Saint-Sauveur changed course and leaned towards letters. Between 1784 and 1812, he published about twenty works, many of them light or illustrated. His works reflected a mixture of interest in history, culture, and fictional narrative. His works include titles such as “La Belle Captive”, a captivating account of the shipwreck and captivity of a young countess, and “Costumes civils de tous les peuples connus”, a fascinating collection of costumes from various cultures.
In addition to his literary contributions, Grasset de Saint-Sauveur is also remembered for his works of illustration and drawing. His “Tableaux cosmographiques” offer a detailed visual representation of Europe, Asia, Africa and America in his time.
What makes Jacques Grasset de Saint-Sauveur especially interesting is the diversity of his interests and talents. From his diplomatic duties to his literary and illustrative work, he spanned a wide spectrum of fields, offering a unique insight into his time.
Such was its influence that the famous writer George Sand mentioned it in her autobiographical travel story “Un hiver à Majorque”. His legacy lives on as a testament to an inquisitive and multifaceted mind, capable of weaving historical, cultural and creative elements into a body of work that is still relevant today.