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 decorative map of the Asian continent is surrounded by steel engraved vignettes depicting the various peoples of Asia in costume, several exotic animals, and a seated portrait of Adam and Eve. The map graphically depicts the Great Wall of China and extends to include Sumatra and Borneo. Iran is Perse, Thailand is Siam, and Sri Lanka is Ceylan. There is an interesting population chart at right totaling only 638,550,000 for the entire continent. The illustrations were drawn by Raimond Bonheur, father of the famous painter Rosa Bonheur, who trained under her father.

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Condition: A

A nice impression with contemporary color in the map and later color in the decorative surround. There is a bit of marginal soiling and toning.