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 produced in the nineteenth century. It is drawn on Mercator's classic 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, and 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 as in the Fifty-four Forty or Fight. Texas is named separately but is not delineated.

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Condition: A

Fine original hand coloring in outline with the surrounding scenes left uncolored as issued. A little foxing or toning in right margin, well away from map and a small indistinct embossed stamp in lower margin at edge, else fine.