Sea Charts
€ 140
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Very good condition with minor age toning and light foxing near the edges. Engraved lines are crisp and the original hand coloring remains clean and consistent.
Map of Finistère France with Brest, Quimper and Brittany Coastline, 19th Century
This richly engraved 19th-century map of Finistère, the westernmost department of mainland France, was drawn by Alexandre Vuillemin and published by Migeon in Paris for the *Nouvel Atlas Illustré*. The map offers a finely detailed view of this culturally distinct and geographically dramatic region, renowned for its rugged coastline, maritime heritage, and Celtic traditions.
Finistère, meaning "end of the land" in Latin, is presented here with its departmental boundaries hand-colored in soft pink. The map clearly delineates towns, roads, rivers, and coastal features, including the Crozon Peninsula and islands such as Ouessant and Sein. Quimper, the prefecture, and Brest, a strategic naval base, are prominently marked along with other key towns like Morlaix, Douarnenez, and Concarneau.
In the lower left corner is an engraved vignette of the harbor at Quimper, depicting a sailing vessel, waterfront buildings, and a view of the Gothic cathedral. On the right stands a full-length statue of a revolutionary figure, General Hoche, who led troops in Brittany during the counter-revolutionary uprisings. The top left features the coat of arms of Finistère, bearing a ship and marine imagery appropriate to this seafaring region.
Finistère forms part of Brittany (Bretagne), a region steeped in Celtic culture, Breton language, and maritime history. While not a major wine-producing area, the department is famous for its cider, seafood (especially oysters and scallops), buckwheat galettes, and dairy products. Its coastal geography and strong winds have made it a critical location for lighthouses, fishing ports, and naval defenses for centuries.
This antique map is both decorative and historically informative, ideal for collectors interested in Brittany, French maritime history, or regional ethnography. It reflects the cultural independence and dramatic geography of France’s far western frontier.
Condition summary:
Very good condition with minor age toning and light foxing near the edges. Engraved lines are crisp and the original hand coloring remains clean and consistent.
Framing tips:
A rustic oak or driftwood frame complements the coastal and Breton character of the map. A cream or light gray mat enhances the engraving and soft pink tones. UV-protective glass is recommended for preservation and clarity.
