Europe · 19th century
€ 240
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Good. Central folding line or split professionally restored. Minor soiling around the edges. The image clean and decorative. Study the images carefully.
An original hand-colored map of the Département d'Indre-et-Loire created by Victor Levasseur in 1856. As an antique steel engraved map, it showcases the detailed craftsmanship and technology of mid-19th century map making. The method of steel engraving allowed for precise and intricate details to be captured, making this map not only a navigational tool but also a work of art.
The addition of outline hand colouring is particularly noteworthy. This technique, where colours are applied by hand to the engraved map, was a common practice at the time to highlight certain features such as boundaries, rivers, and cities. The hand colouring on this map would have been done meticulously, adding vibrancy and clarity to the engraved lines and making it easier to differentiate various geographical and political demarcations.
The map's wide margins are characteristic of the period's presentation style, offering space for additional annotations or simply serving to frame the map aesthetically when displayed. Such margins also suggest that the map was intended for a discerning audience, possibly for educational or decorative purposes in a library or study.
Victor Levasseur was renowned for his decorative maps, often embellished with artistic elements that went beyond mere geographical information. These elements could include vignettes, allegorical figures, and detailed illustrations surrounding the map itself, reflecting the cultural, historical, and economic aspects of the depicted area. While the description does not detail these decorative aspects, it's common for Levasseur's works to feature such embellishments, making his maps highly prized among collectors and historians for both their artistic value and cartographic accuracy.
This map of Département d'Indre-et-Loire, with its combination of technical precision in steel engraving and the beauty of hand colouring, represents a fascinating intersection of art and science in the 19th century. It is a testament to the era's dedication to detail, craftsmanship, and the aesthetic presentation of information.
The Département d'Indre-et-Loire, located in the central part of France within the region known as the Centre-Val de Loire, is rich in historical and cultural significance, with numerous important places highlighted on a map from 1856 by Victor Levasseur. Based on the region's known historical sites and cities, the following places are likely to be featured or of importance:
1. **Tours**: As the capital city of the Département d'Indre-et-Loire, Tours is a central hub of history, culture, and architecture. It is known for its old town, the Place Plumereau, Tours Cathedral, and its proximity to the Loire River, making it a likely focal point on the map.
2. **Amboise**: This town is famous for the Château d'Amboise, which is closely linked to French royal history and offers panoramic views of the Loire River. Leonardo da Vinci is buried here in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert, associated with the château.
3. **Chinon**: Known for its medieval fortress, the Château de Chinon, this town has deep historical roots, including connections to Joan of Arc and King Charles VII. The fortress and town would be significant landmarks.
4. **Villandry**: The Château de Villandry is renowned for its beautiful Renaissance gardens, which are some of the most impressive in France. While the château might be less emphasized in an 1856 map compared to cities and towns, it's an important site in the region.
5. **Loches**: This town features the Château de Loches, a medieval castle, and the Royal Lodge, noted for its Renaissance architecture. The town's history and architectural landmarks make it a place of interest.
6. **Azay-le-Rideau**: The Château d'Azay-le-Rideau is set on an island in the middle of the Indre River, showcasing the French Renaissance architectural style. It's one of the earliest French Renaissance châteaux and a jewel of architectural beauty.
7. **Langeais**: Known for the Château de Langeais, a castle that presents a mix of medieval and Renaissance elements. The château plays a significant role in French history, including the marriage of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany.
These locations, along with the river systems, particularly the Loire and Indre rivers, vineyards, and the rich agricultural landscapes, would be among the key features likely highlighted on Levasseur's map. Maps from this period often emphasized both the natural geography and the human settlements and landmarks that defined a region.
