About this sheet
Antique Map of Southeastern France & Corsica – Stülpnagel Engraving, 1858
Highly detailed 19th-century map titled "Südöstliches Frankreich"(Southeastern France), engraved by Friedrich von Stülpnagel and published by Justus Perthes in Gotha in 1858. This map represents the final quadrant of Stülpnagel's four-part map of France and showcases the picturesque and historically rich regions along the Mediterranean coast, including Provence, Dauphiné, Languedoc, and the island of Corsica.
Prominent cities such as Marseille, Nice, Avignon, Nîmes, Grenoble, and Toulon are clearly labeled, along with countless towns, rivers, and mountain ranges. The map features detailed topographical shading to illustrate the dramatic relief of the French Alps and Massif Central, and outlines each département with delicate hand-coloring.
An inset in the lower center adds further detail:
– "Marseille und Umgebungen" – a detailed city and regional map showing Marseille and its surroundings, including coastal features and road connections.
The Mediterranean coastline is carefully engraved, showing the Golfe du Lion, Golfe de Gênes, and parts of the Ligurian coast of Italy. The inclusion of Corsica in the southeast corner adds a valuable geographic and political component to this map, reflecting France’s full territorial reach in the region.
Produced during the Second French Empire, this map is a valuable document of the administrative and physical landscape of the south of France before the transformation brought by 20th-century infrastructure and tourism. Its precision and artistry make it suitable for both historical study and refined interior display.
Condition report:
Very good condition. Minor age-related toning in margins. No tears or repairs. Original hand-coloring remains clean and vibrant. Inset clear and intact.
Framing tips:
Frame with a light wood or champagne-gold finish to complement the coastal tones. Use a pale cream mat or a light grey to enhance the engraving. A double mat with a narrow burgundy accent could reflect the outline colors and add refinement.
Technique: Copperplate engraving with original hand-coloring
Maker: F. von Stülpnagel, published by Justus Perthes, Gotha, 1858