France Voltaire homage Loire Department Toulon 1856 Levasseur decorative map

Dept. D'Indre et Loire.

(Europe, France, 2nd French Empire, French Departments, Indre, Loire, Toulon, Chinon, Loches).

Issued 1856, Paris by Dupuich and Levasseur. Engraved by Laguillermie & Rainaud.

Lovely large decorative mid-19th century map with original hand color.  

The decorative vignettes surrounding map greatly enhance visual appeal. They include a portrait of the great philosopher Descartes, beautifully rendered within a garland wreath, a cornucopia and female muse holding a flaming torch of light above him to his right, on his left is a swarming bee hive. Two topless female river goddesses sit astride urns spilling water forth into the rivers beside a boar and bull, banners hold keys and descriptive text. Various other well rendered objects and vegetations plus the finesse of the cartographic work elevate the total image up to a masterful engraving technique level on display.

Remains clean and a nice looking example with a pleasing age patina. Any age flaws mostly minor and easy to overlook or forgive.

Sheet Measures c. 14" H x 20 1/2" W.

Engraved Area Measures c. 10" H x 16 1/4" W.

Cartographic Reference(s):
Tooley's Dictionary of Mapmakers, vol. 1.

[R27080].