Hand Colored Antique Map of the department of Finistère, France

Antique map titled 'Dépt. du Finistère'. Map of the French department of Finistere, Brittany, France. This area of France is known for its cider production and excellent boar hunting. The map also includes the island of Ouessant, which marks the north-westernmost point of European France. The dramatic island and castle of Mont Saint-Michel is depicted just of the coast. B The whole is surrounded by elaborate decorative engravings designed to illustrate both the natural beauty and trade richness of the land. There is a short textual history of the regions depicted on both the left and right sides of the map.

This map originates from 'Atlas National de la France Illustree' published by V. Levasseur, circa 1852. Victor Levasseur (1800–1870) was a French cartographer widely known for his distinctive decorative style. He produced numerous maps more admired for the artistic content of the scenes and data surrounding the map than for the detail of the map. Victor Levasseur's "Atlas National Illustré" and "Atlas Universel Illustré" are among the last great decorative atlases published.

Condition: Good. General age-related toning. Shows some wear and soiling, blank verso. Few small tears/splits in margins. Please study images carefully.

Date: c.1852

Overall size: 51.7 x 36.5 cm.