Hand Colored Antique Map of the Department of Nord, France

Antique map titled 'Dept. du Nord'. Map of the French department of Nord, France. This area is known for its production of Maroilles, a cow's milk cheese. This cheese is produced in rectangular blocks with a moist orange-red washed rind and a strong, distinct odor. The map proper 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 1859. 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.1859

Overall size: 51.7 x 36.5 cm.