1847 Levasseur Map of Africa
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Description: A stunning c. 1847 map of Africa by French cartographer Victor Levasseur. Depicts the entire continent with several interesting elements. A large lake appears in Mozambique which can only be Lake Malawi (Lake Nyasa). Lake Chad (Tchad) is also shown. Names numerous African kingdoms including Monomotapa and the Hottentots. Surrounded by the elaborate borders for which Levasseur is best known. Shows a stylized pyramid and obelisk, an imam, a French soldier consulting with Arabs, and three city vies: Alexandria, Cairo and Algiers. Prepared and published for V. Levasseur's magnificent c. 1847 Atlas Universel Illustre, one of the last decorative atlases of the 19th century.
Date: c. 1847 (undated)
Source: Levasseur, V., Atlas Universel Illustre, c. 1847.
References: Rumsey 0427.094. Phillips (Atlases) 3003.
Cartographer: Victor Levasseur, an important French engineer, cartographer, and engraver of the mid 19th century, held a number of important cartographically related political and educations posts in France. He is most famous for his Atlas National Illustré des 86 Départements et des Possessions de La France, a large decorative atlas of France, including his Planisphere and five important continental maps. Levasseur's maps are distinctive for their wide decorative margins containing elaborate depictions of the scenery, peoples, and trade goods of the areas he mapped. Levasseur maps are also known to offer a wealth of statistical data. Until recently, very few Levasseur Atlases migrated out of France where they were mostly used in public libraries and town halls. His work represents some of the last great decorative atlases of the 19th century. Click here for a list of rare maps from Victor Levasseur.
Size: Printed area measures 18 x 12.5 inches (45.72 x 31.75 centimeters)
Condition: Very good. Light overall toning. Blank on verso.
Code: Africa-levasseur-1847 (Necessary for phone inquiries: 646-320-8650)
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