"Planisphere", Levasseur, Victor

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 lovely steel engraved map is from one of the last decorative atlases of the nineteenth century. It is presented on Mercator's projection and is surrounded by fine steel engravings including vignettes representing the four seasons, allegorical figures of the continents and several mythical figures, Adam and Eve as well as an astrological banner stretching across the night sky at the top. In North America, a very large Oregon Territory appears on the west coast stretching from California well into British Columbia, reflecting U.S. claims in the region.

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Condition: A

Beautiful impression with original outline color on map. Lovely, later full coloring on surrounding vignettes. Full margins with minor toning and finger soil well away from image.