Antique Engraved Map of Marne by Levasseur, 1850s

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This beautifully detailed 19th-century engraved map of the Marne department in northeastern France was created by the renowned cartographer Victor … Read more This beautifully detailed 19th-century engraved map of the Marne department in northeastern France was created by the renowned cartographer Victor Levasseur and printed by A. Vuillemin. It forms part of Levasseur’s celebrated atlas series “La France Illustrée”, widely admired for its harmonious blend of cartographic precision, cultural vignettes, and historical reference. The map presents the department of Marne, bordered in soft pink and traversed by finely hand-colored roads, rivers, and administrative boundaries. It is framed with richly engraved scenes, including an illustration of the city of Châlons-sur-Marne, the figure of revolutionary postman Jean-Baptiste Drouet, and a provincial coat of arms. The backdrop also includes rural and architectural vignettes, adding depth to the cultural identity of the region. Marne, with its capital Châlons-en-Champagne (formerly Châlons-sur-Marne), is famed for being one of the most historically and economically important areas in the Champagne region. Its fertile plains, crisscrossed by major waterways and trade routes, played a key role in France’s military and industrial history, particularly during the two World Wars. This print is not only a valuable map but a visual chronicle of regional identity in 19th-century France.

Condition Excellent condition with original hand color. Clean impression with full margins. Very light age-toning and faint edge spotting typical for the period. No visible fold lines across the plate. Framing Tips A classic champagne-colored mat paired with a deep mahogany or black wooden frame would elegantly highlight the map’s subtle coloring and historical engravings. A gold inner fillet would accentuate the vignette work. Technique: Engraving, hand-colored Maker: Victor Levasseur, France, 1850s See less