Catalog Archive
Auction 118, Lot 938

"Atlas National Illustre des 86 Departments et des Possessions de la France Divisee par Arrondissments, Cantons en Communes", Levasseur, Victor

Subject: Atlases

Period: 1852 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
14.8 x 21 inches
37.6 x 53.3 cm
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This atlas was one of the last decorative atlases ever produced. The finely engraved title page, which sets the stage for the beautiful maps to follow, is made up of several vignettes depicting famous land and sea battles, a portrait of Napoleon I, children practicing the arts and sciences, and more. In addition to the individual French departments the atlas contains maps of the world and continents. The map of North America shows the independent Republic of Texas, and the Northwest extending well into Canada. France was an ally to the U.S. and supported their position in the Fifty-four Forty or Fight dispute. Six more maps show the French colonial possessions of the time and two others illustrate France as a whole, with one, Nouvelle Carte de France, being the double page map at the back of the Atlas. This fine and complete atlas is filled with maps that have lovely decorated borders which relate to the region, including statistical information, regional products, famous local people, and places of interest. Original quarter leather, dark brown embossed and gilt cloth covers over boards, raised spine, all with tooling. Marbled end papers, engraved title page, table of contents, 99 single page maps and 1 double page map. A nice example of this increasingly difficult to obtain atlas.

References:

Condition: A

The maps generally fine to very good, some with occasional light soiling or foxing. Covers and spine with a little rubbing and bumping, contents tight and sound. Front endpaper with a small puncture hole at center.

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,400

Sold for: $850

Closed on 3/6/2007

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