Hand Colored Antique Map of the department of Somme, France

Antique map titled 'Dépt de la Somme'. Map of the French department of Somme, France. This area is home to the region of Picardy, which produces Maroilles, a popular French cheese. 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 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.

Please note: frame not included. 

Condition: Good. General age-related toning. Paper is wavy/textured in the left half of this map. Shows some wear and soiling, blank verso. Few small tears/splits in margins. Please study images carefully.

Date: c.1852

Overall size: 51.5 x 36.5 cm.