France · 19th century
€ 475
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
to good condition overall, with light visible wear and age-related toning. The map has been professionally backed with a new support backing for stabilization and display purposes.
French Map of Africa by Cortambert – Sahara, Egypt & Algeria, 1864
A finely engraved and historically fascinating map of Africa published in Paris in 1864 under the direction of the noted French geographer Eugène Cortambert. This elegant mid-19th century map presents the African continent during a pivotal era of European exploration and colonial expansion, shortly before the major territorial divisions of the “Scramble for Africa.”
The map displays Africa in remarkable detail for the period, with delicately engraved coastlines, rivers, caravan routes, colonial settlements, and regional kingdoms carefully identified throughout the continent. The Sahara Desert dominates the northern interior, while the Nile River system and Egypt are shown with particular clarity. Southern Africa includes early colonial divisions and important ports, while Central Africa still contains many partially unexplored regions reflecting the geographical uncertainties of the time.
An inset map of Algeria appears in the lower left corner, emphasizing the importance of French colonial interests in North Africa during the Second Empire period. Madagascar and surrounding islands are also prominently included, with maritime routes and coastal names engraved in fine detail.
The restrained original outline hand coloring enhances the political boundaries without overwhelming the refined engraving work. Decorative typography and elegant cartouches give the map the sophisticated visual character typical of French educational atlas production of the 1860s.
Its large horizontal format makes this an especially attractive decorative piece for framing in a study, library, office, or travel-inspired interior. A dark walnut or ebonized frame with an ivory mat would complement the muted tones and period aesthetic beautifully.
Condition: Fair to good condition overall, with light visible wear and age-related toning. The map has been professionally backed with a new support backing for stabilization and display purposes.
Note: This map is an original antique engraving, not a reproduction. All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The piece is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.
Technique: Original engraved map with original outline hand color
Maker: Eugène Cortambert, Paris, 1864
