Holy Land Map, Jerusalem & Sinai — Dufour Biblical Map, Paris 1846
€ 495
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1846
Mapmaker / artist
A.H. Dufour, France, 1846
Technique
Steel engraving
Sheet size
33 × 24.7 cm (13.0 × 9.7 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14279-41
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
Good overall condition with light age-related toning and occasional faint spotting, mainly in the margins. The engraved image remains clean and well-defined. The decorative border is intact and sharp. Minor edge wear consistent with age.
About this sheet
This elegant and finely engraved map of the Holy Land was created by the French geographer A.H. Dufour and published in Paris in 1846. It offers a detailed and evocative depiction of biblical Palestine, extending from Lebanon and the Levantine coast through Jerusalem and the Jordan Valley, down to the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea. Produced during a period of renewed European scholarly and religious interest in the geography of the Bible, this map reflects both scientific precision and devotional curiosity.
The composition is particularly appealing for its clarity and refinement. Major biblical regions and cities—Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho, Nazareth, and the Dead Sea—are carefully delineated, while routes and boundaries are subtly emphasized in period hand-coloring, likely added by an early owner to highlight scriptural journeys or tribal divisions. The map also includes a detailed inset plan of ancient Jerusalem in the lower right corner, adding both historical depth and visual interest.
The decorative border is characteristic of mid-19th-century French cartography, combining classical ornamentation with a restrained, architectural elegance that enhances the presentation without overwhelming the geographic content. The engraving itself is crisp and balanced, with finely rendered coastlines, mountain ranges, and place names that remain highly legible.
This map would have served both educational and devotional purposes, making it especially attractive to collectors interested in biblical history, early travel, or 19th-century European perspectives on the Near East. Its combination of geographic scope and focused detail makes it a versatile and visually compelling piece for both collectors and interior designers.
This is an original antique engraving, not a reproduction. The map is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.
Framing tips: This map benefits from a classic presentation—an ebonized or dark walnut frame with a wide ivory mount will emphasize the engraving and decorative border. For a lighter interior, a soft gold or bronze frame paired with a warm white mat can enhance the historical and devotional character of the piece.
