France
€ 220
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Very good condition. Wide margins with some light age toning, mostly around edges. Clean central area with no tears or repairs. Slight foxing in the left margin, not affecting the image.
Antique Map of Haute-Marne France by Vuillemin with Decorative Insets, 1840s
This finely engraved and hand-colored map of Haute-Marne, a historical department in northeastern France, was produced by Alexandre Vuillemin and lithographed by A. Vallée around the 1840s. Published as part of the renowned mid-19th century French atlas series La France, it combines geographical detail with artistic flourishes.
The map outlines departmental boundaries in color and is embellished with vignettes and scenes relevant to Haute-Marne. These include a portrait of Jean-Baptiste Drouet, the postmaster of Sainte-Menehould famous for recognizing and halting King Louis XVI during his failed flight to Varennes, and a charming city view of Langres, a historic fortified town. The lower left features an illustrated figure of a local citizen, adding a human touch to the cartography. The departmental coat of arms appears to the right, further emphasizing regional pride.
Notable towns and locations shown (with significance):
1. Langres – fortified hilltop town, Roman walls
2. Chaumont – departmental capital, WWI US HQ
3. Joinville – medieval heritage, Renaissance château
4. Bourbonne-les-Bains – ancient Roman spa town
5. Saint-Dizier – industrial hub, WWII bombing
6. Montier-en-Der – abbey origin, marshlands
7. Wassy – 1562 massacre started French Wars of Religion
8. Bologne – known for cutlery and metalwork
9. Andelot-Blancheville – Merovingian treaty 587 AD
10. Doulaincourt – scenic village near river valleys
11. Rolampont – strategic Roman and medieval site
12. Cirey-sur-Blaise – Voltaire’s residence with Emilie du Châtelet
13. Colombey-les-Deux-Églises – General Charles de Gaulle's home and resting place
14. Châteauvillain – medieval ramparts and fairgrounds
15. Arc-en-Barrois – royal hunting lodge and game forest
16. Humes – near Langres, entry to Haute-Marne
17. Clefmont – ruined medieval castle
18. Riaucourt – Roman bridge and quiet canals
19. Fayl-Billot – center of traditional basketry
20. Maranville – birthplace of Enlightenment philosopher Diderot
21. Goncourt – forested countryside
22. Semoutiers – near Chaumont air base
23. Peigney – fortified gateway of Langres basin
24. Froncles – small town on the Marne river
25. Serqueux – rural tranquility
26. Sommevoire – sculpture foundry tradition
27. Vignory – charming Romanesque church
28. Autreville-sur-la-Renne – Renne river scenery
29. Prez-sous-Lafauche – traditional rural architecture
30. Villegusien – reservoir and nature
31. Maizières – ancient site of Gallo-Roman activity
32. Thivet – historic monastery grounds
33. Liffol-le-Petit – furniture craftsmanship region
34. Leffonds – heritage manor and landscapes
35. Osne-le-Val – architectural cast iron foundries
36. Anrosey – nestled in a green valley
37. Vaux-sous-Aubigny – birthplace of Pope Callixtus II
38. Montot-sur-Rognon – Rognon river valley
39. Is-en-Bassigny – medieval castle remains
40. Val-de-Meuse – multiple hamlets and forts
41. Melay – ancient ecclesiastical site
42. Genevrières – small pastoral village
43. Rivières-le-Bois – near river and forest
44. Mandres-la-Côte – scenic countryside
45. Poissons – baroque church and village charm
46. Brousseval – metallurgy village
47. Rimaucourt – large commune in north
48. Laville-aux-Bois – woodland area
49. Neuilly-sur-Suize – meandering Suize river
50. Vauxbons – remote and peaceful hamlet
This map is not only informative but decorative, featuring crisp engraving and clear typography. The lightly applied hand coloring on borders and rivers accentuates its appeal without overwhelming the detail.
Condition report:
Very good condition. Wide margins with some light age toning, mostly around edges. Clean central area with no tears or repairs. No visible folding line, suggesting it was never bound. Slight foxing in the left margin, not affecting the image. Plate mark clearly visible.
Framing tips:
This map would benefit from a soft ivory mat with a narrow olive or sage green inner border to echo the light hand coloring. A thin walnut or antiqued gold wooden frame would provide a classic finish suitable for both traditional and modern interiors.
Technique: Engraving with original hand coloring
Maker: Alexandre Vuillemin, Paris, circa 1840s
