Catalog Archive
Auction 142, Lot 12

"Atlas National Illustre des 89 Departements et des Possessions de la France Divise par Arrondissements, Cantons et Communes...", Levasseur, Victor

Subject: Title Pages

Period: 1866 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
16.5 x 12 inches
41.9 x 30.5 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.

Attractive title page from one of the last decorative atlases of the nineteenth century. The steel engraved scenes surrounding the script title are fully hand-colored and enclosed in a border of tree branches and grapevines engraved by Eugene Duchez. There are infantry and naval battle scenes, portraits, armor and weaponry, ballooning, an early railroad engine, a river god and goddess and a group of cherubs engaged in a variety of scientific and artistic pursuits.

References:

Condition: B+

A few small tears in blank margins have been repaired with tape. Ink marks appear in right and bottom margins, away from image. One small abrasion by the ships.

Estimate: $100 - $140

Sold for: $70

Closed on 11/28/2012

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