Catalog Archive
Auction 191, Lot 36

"Air France "Nova Et Vetera" Sur La Vieille Terre Des Chemins Nouveaux",

Subject: World

Period: 1939 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Printed Color

Size:
23.6 x 14.6 inches
59.9 x 37.1 cm
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This vibrant map of the world was created by Lucien Bouche for Air France. It is roughly centered on Europe and the "Old World," extending to the Americas in the west and Australia in the south. The evolving routes of Air France are depicted with red overprinting, including destinations as far as Santiago, Chile and Hong Kong (with many stops in between!). The path from France to New York is still shown as a ship route as the first commercial flight between the two cities didn't occur until 1946. The continents are richly illustrated with welcoming natives, while the surrounding waters are filled with ships and several menacing sea monsters, including one ridden by Poseidon (suggesting it is safer to travel by air than sea). Further decorated by compass roses, rhumb lines, and a decorative rope border. Published by Perceval in Paris.

References: Rumsey #8543.

Condition: B+

There is minor soiling mostly visible in the blank margins.

Estimate: $700 - $850

Sold for: $425

Closed on 2/8/2023

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