Antique French Map of Ille-et-Vilaine Region with Rennes, 1800s

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This decorative antique map presents the French département of Ille-et-Vilaine, situated in the Brittany region of northwestern France. Engraved by … Read more This decorative antique map presents the French département of Ille-et-Vilaine, situated in the Brittany region of northwestern France. Engraved by Alexandre Vuillemin in the mid-19th century, it originates from his renowned atlas of the departments of France, admired for its blend of cartographic accuracy and artistic embellishment. The map details towns, villages, rivers, and road networks, with boundaries highlighted in original outline hand-coloring. Surrounding vignettes enrich the composition: a portrait of the celebrated French writer and statesman François-René de Chateaubriand, born in Saint-Malo, anchors the left margin, while a view of Rennes, the département’s capital, graces the top right. Additional embellishments include a horse vignette symbolizing regional agriculture and the departmental coat of arms at lower right. Ille-et-Vilaine is a département rich in history, marked by its medieval towns, fortified castles, and coastal ports. Rennes, a center of learning and culture, is prominently noted, alongside Saint-Malo, a historic walled port city once famed for privateers and seafaring trade.

Condition report: Very good condition with strong hand-coloring of borders. Some light scattered foxing and faint toning in the margins, consistent with age. Clean impression with well-preserved decorative vignettes.
Technique: Engraving with original hand color Maker: Alexandre Vuillemin, France, mid-19th century See less