Catalog Archive
Auction 120, Lot 543

"[Lot of 6 - French Departments]", Levasseur, Victor

Subject: France

Period: 1850 (circa)

Publication: Atlas National Illustre

Color: Hand Color

Size:
16.5 x 11.5 inches
41.9 x 29.2 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 is a lovely set of French Department maps all surrounded with finely rendered steel engraved vignettes illustrating the important areas, peoples and commerce in each region. Size is approximate and varies slightly. Each with uncolored vignettes, as issued.

1) Dept. de Maine et Loire is in the Pays de la Loire, a rich farming region, and is decorated with livestock.
2) Dept. du Gers is within the Midi-Pyrenees region and is embellished with game, textiles and grapes.
3) Dept. de la Charente features a portrait of the famous writer Balzac, along with bundles of saffron and truffles.
4) Dept. des Landes is within the Aquitaine region. The area specializes in wine and agriculture. This map features a portrait of St. Vincent de Paule.
5) Dept. du Rhone is decorated with regional food, wine and timepieces.
6) Dept. de la Correze features images of wine casks, truffles, rifles, rabbits and pheasants.

References:

Condition: A

Generally very good, a small spot on Rhone.

Estimate: $120 - $160

Sold for: $90

Closed on 7/18/2007

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