Levasseur's 1852 Cartographic Portrait Of Gironde: Celebrating The Bordeaux Wine

This original hand-colored map is from the "Atlas National Illustré," a work by Victor Levasseur, a French geographer and cartographer known for his richly illustrated maps.

The map is a steel engraving, which was a common and precise method for creating maps at the time. The inclusion of the publisher's name, A. Combette from Paris, and the addresses of the various contributors to the map's creation, like the engravers Laguillermie and Rainaud, adds to the historical context of the piece.

The margins of the map are adorned with detailed illustrations that serve as a visual encyclopedic reference to the region's geography, economy, and notable figures. The use of color along the boundaries makes the map not only a tool for navigation but also an educational resource, providing insights into the department's landscape, economy, and cultural significance.

The text included in the map's design provides statistical information, a map legend, and discussions about the land, local curiosities, notable personalities, products, and commerce, which would have been invaluable for education and reference at the time.

The 'Atlas National Illustré' is celebrated for its combination of cartographic detail and artistic embellishment, making it a valuable cultural artifact. It represents the height of decorative map-making in the 19th century, alongside the works of John Tallis and Archibald Fullarton.

This uploaded image is a detailed and colored map of the Département de la Gironde from Victor Levasseur's "Atlas National Illustré." Similar to the other maps from this series, it features a central map with the title 'Dépt. de la Gironde' at the bottom.

Surrounding the map are decorative vignettes and elements that bring to life the cultural and economic aspects of the Gironde department. On the left, there is likely statistical information about the department and its subdivisions, reflecting the population and administrative details. This is framed by images that may represent the local industries and natural resources, such as wine, which is a central feature of the Bordeaux region located within Gironde.

The right side of the map contains a textual history and descriptions of the region, coupled with portraits of notable figures, possibly historic personages or contributors to the region's cultural and economic development. The illustrations often include agricultural products, symbols of commerce, and scenes of daily life, as well as architectural landmarks.

The presence of wine bottles, barrels, and vineyards in the illustrations would be indicative of the Gironde's prominence in wine production, particularly Bordeaux wines, which are esteemed worldwide. These engravings serve to emphasize the richness of the land and the sophistication of its products.

Maps from this era, especially those by Levasseur, are notable for their combination of art and education, providing a snapshot not only of the geography but also of the societal and economic conditions of the time. The detailed engravings also suggest that this map was as much a decorative piece as it was a functional one, intended for display and reference by those interested in the illustrated region.

The Gironde department in France is renowned for its significant contribution to the wine industry, particularly through the Bordeaux wine region. A bit more about the important places within Gironde and the types of wine the area is known for:

1. **Bordeaux**: The capital city of the department and the heart of the wine region. It's not only an urban center but also a hub for the wine trade.

2. **Médoc**: North of Bordeaux, known for prestigious châteaux and wines like Margaux, Saint-Julien, Pauillac, and Saint-Estèphe.

3. **Saint-Émilion**: East of Bordeaux, recognized for its full-bodied red wines and the picturesque medieval town.

4. **Pomerol**: Also near Saint-Émilion, smaller than its neighbor but equally renowned, particularly for Château Pétrus.

5. **Graves**: South of Bordeaux, known for both red and white wines, including the sub-region of Pessac-Léognan.

6. **Sauternes**: A region within Graves known for its sweet white wines, including the highly celebrated Château d'Yquem.

7. **Entre-Deux-Mers**: Between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, known for dry white wines.

The Gironde department is home to some of the most prestigious wine appellations in the world. The red wines from this region are typically blends, with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon being the most predominant grapes, followed by Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. The white wines often include Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle grapes. These wines range from powerful and tannic reds capable of aging for decades to luscious and sweet whites that are coveted by collectors and wine enthusiasts alike.

Condition report:

Good. Some soiling around the edgesvand a brown spot outside the image. The image clean and decorative. Study the images carefully.

Additional dimensions information:

Height52.5 cmWidth:35.7 cmDepth: 0 in (0.02 mm)