France · 19th century
€ 120
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Very good condition with slight toning to the margins and a few faint foxing spots, mostly in outer areas. The engraved details are sharp and the original hand-coloring remains clean and attractive.
Map of Basses-Alpes France with Digne and Lavender Region by Vuillemin, 19th c
This finely engraved 19th-century map of the Basses-Alpes department of France (known today as Alpes-de-Haute-Provence) is from the renowned Nouvel Atlas Illustré by Alexandre Vuillemin, published by Migeon in Paris. It features delicate hand coloring, regional detail, and elegant vignettes that highlight the cultural and natural identity of the area.
The map outlines the department of Basses-Alpes with clear detail, showcasing towns, rivers, and roads, bordered in soft pastel colors. The mountains, passes, and valleys are rendered with precision, reflecting the department's alpine geography. In the upper left corner, a vignette depicts the town of Digne (now Digne-les-Bains), the administrative center of the department, with the Alps rising in the distance. The bottom left corner features a mountain goat resting on the rocks—an allusion to the region’s wildlife and rugged landscape. To the right, a portrait of Jean-Baptiste Gassendi, philosopher, astronomer, and native of the region, brings historical depth to the composition. Birds flying along the right edge further emphasize the natural richness of the region.
Basses-Alpes is particularly renowned for its stunning lavender fields, which blanket the landscape in purple during summer months. This region, especially the areas around Digne, Forcalquier, and Valensole, is one of the key sources of French lavender, used in perfumes, soaps, and essential oils. In addition to lavender, the region also produces honey, olives, and wines from the Vin de Pays des Alpes-de-Haute-Provence designation.
Alexandre Vuillemin, the cartographer, was a noted 19th-century French mapmaker whose decorative atlases combined geography with culture and art. His publisher, Migeon, specialized in beautifully illustrated educational works. Together, they produced maps that were both informative and visually compelling, popular among scholars and collectors alike.
Condition summary:
Very good condition with slight toning to the margins and a few faint foxing spots, mostly in outer areas. The engraved details are sharp and the original hand-coloring remains clean and attractive.
Framing tips:
This map pairs beautifully with a medium or dark wood frame, or an antique gold moulding to highlight the historic charm. A soft cream or light lavender-toned mat can complement the regional theme. UV-protective glass is recommended to ensure long-term preservation.
