Catalog Archive
Auction 127, Lot 32

"Planisphere", Levasseur, Victor

Subject: World

Period: 1845 (circa)

Publication: Atlas National Illustre

Color: Hand Color

Size:
15.5 x 11 inches
39.4 x 27.9 cm
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Victor Levasseur's "Atlas National Illustre" and "Atlas Universel Illustre" are among the last decorative atlases published. The maps are all lavishly illustrated with scenes of the countryside, products and activities indigenous to the region.

This great world map, drawn on Mercator's projection, is from one of the last decorative atlases produced in the nineteenth century. It is surrounded by fine steel engravings including vignettes representing the four seasons, allegorical figures of the continents, several mythical gods, Adam and Eve and much else of interest. In North America, a very large Oregon Territory appears on the west coast stretching from California into British Columbia. Texas is named suggesting it is an Independent Republic, but is not separately colored.

References:

Condition: A+

Supreme example with beautiful full hand coloring, wide margins and dark impression. The surrounding vignettes are fully and professionally hand colored.

Estimate: $275 - $375

Sold for: $200

Closed on 2/25/2009

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