Catalog Archive
Auction 137, Lot 890

"Atlas National Illustre des 86 Departements et des Possessions de la France…", Levasseur, Victor

Subject: Atlases, France

Period: 1851 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
15 x 21 inches
38.1 x 53.3 cm
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This 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, continents, Oceania and French Colonies. The map of North America names and colors Texas as independent even in this 1851 edition. The United States is shown extending well into Canada in the Pacific Northwest. 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 that relate to the region, including statistical information, regional products, famous local people, and places of interest. Original half leather, dark green embossed and gilt cloth covers over boards, raised spine, all with tooling. Marbled end papers, engraved title page, table of contents, 100 single-page maps and 1 double-page map.

References:

Condition: A

The maps are clean and bright with lovely original color. Covers are slightly bumped and, along with the spine, show light wear. Contents tight and fine.

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300

Sold for: $1,100

Closed on 9/14/2011

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