1852 Levasseur Map of the Reunion or the Ile. Bourbon, Indian Ocean

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Title:    Ile Bourbon. Colonie Francaise (Ocean Indien.)

Description:    This is a fascinating 1857 map of the French department of Ile. Bourbon or Reunion. Bourbon, or Reunion, is a volcanic island off the coast of Africa. It is one of France's few remaining colonies in the Indian Ocean. Reunion is known for its striking natural beauty and marvelous beaches. The whole is surrounded by elaborate decorative engravings designed to illustrate both the natural beauty and trade richness of the land. There is a short textual history of the regions depicted on both the left and right sides of the map. Published by V. Levasseur in the 1852 edition of his Atlas National de la France Illustree.

Date:    1852 (undated)

Source:    Levassuer, V., Atlas National Illustre des 86 Departements et des Possessions de La France Divise par Arrondissements, Cantons et Communea avec La Trace de Toutes Les Routes, Chemins,de fer et Canaux., 1852 edition.

References:    Phillips (Atlases) 3003. National Library of Australia, MAP RM 3125.

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 17 x 12 inches (43.18 x 30.48 centimeters)

Condition:    Good. Minor marginal reparis and wear. Repaired closed tear extending from upper margin into map - see image. Blank on verso.

Code:   IleBourbon-levasseur-1852 (Necessary for phone inquiries: 646-320-8650)