Map, France, Regional, Cartographic Curiosity, Set of Map Cards, 19th Century (Sold)

La France Illustrée, Ses Departements & Ses Possessions
[France Illustrated, Its Departments and Possessions]
Paris: Second Half 19th Century
94 chromolithograph cards in original light blue cardboard box
3.5 x 4.5 inches each
3.5 x 4.75 x 1.25 inches, box

Charming, brightly colored set of educational map cards for teaching French geography. The cards show various regions in France and French colonies of the late 19th century, together with illustrations of local peoples, animals, as well as agricultural and industrial products. The high quality chromolithography includes gilt highlights to the designs.

These map cards strongly resemble the illustrated maps of Victor Levasseur, published in Paris around 1850, and were possibly influenced by them. Search our site for Levasseur maps from Atlas National Illustré des 86 Départements et des Possessions de La France [Illustrated National Atlas of the 86 Departments and the Possessions of France].