Antique Hand-Colored Engraved Map of Mayenne by Levasseur, France, 1850s

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This finely detailed 19th-century engraved map of the department of Mayenne in northwestern France was created by the esteemed French … Read more This finely detailed 19th-century engraved map of the department of Mayenne in northwestern France was created by the esteemed French cartographer Victor Levasseur and published around 1850 as part of his celebrated Atlas National Illustré. Known for combining accurate geography with richly decorative elements, Levasseur's maps remain among the most visually striking and collectible of the 19th century. The map itself outlines the boundaries of Mayenne and is enhanced with original hand-coloring that highlights département borders, roads, rivers, and communes. The surrounding steel-engraved vignettes add an artistic and ethnographic dimension: at the top, a detailed townscape of Laval is shown in a scenic panoramic view; at left and right, depictions of local inhabitants in traditional dress provide insight into regional culture. In the lower right corner is a portrait of Jean de Cheverus (1768–1836), a prominent Laval-born bishop who became the first Archbishop of Boston and later Archbishop of Bordeaux. Additional illustrations include the Mayenne coat of arms, regional flora and fauna, and agricultural motifs—emphasizing the rural and historical identity of the department. The layout is vertically oriented, with a baroque cartouche at the bottom framing the name "Mayenne" in an ornate style typical of Levasseur’s aesthetic. Printed text in the lower margin confirms the engraver as Levasseur and the publisher as A. Combette. This map not only serves as a geographical reference but also as a visual document of French provincial life in the mid-19th century. It is ideal for collectors of historical cartography, Francophiles, or anyone with an interest in Mayenne’s local heritage.

Condition report: Excellent condition overall. Light age toning to margins; central image clean. No visible tears, folds, or major foxing. Crisp plate mark present. Technique: Hand-colored engraving Maker: V. Levasseur, Paris, c.1850 See less