Somme Region Map Appraisal

Victor Levasseur's 'Département de la Somme' Map from Atlas National Illustré

This is a mid-19th-century steel-engraved monochrome map of the Somme department in France, executed by the renowned cartographer Victor Levasseur. The map is printed on a rectangular cream-colored paper substrate. The central cartographic element displays the department's borders, river systems, and major towns. Surrounding the geography is an elaborate decorative border characteristic of Levasseur's 'Atlas National Illustré' style (circa 1845-1852). The vignettes depict regional industries, agriculture, and historical figures, including scenes of farming, livestock (cattle and sheep), and a portrait of a local dignitary in the upper left. Notable text includes 'DEP! DE LA SOMME' at the bottom and statistical data regarding population and administration on the left and right margins. The craftsmanship is high, showing fine line detail in both the topographical hatchings and the architectural backgrounds. Condition-wise, the print shows minor undulation across the paper surface, likely due to moisture or improper storage, and light foxing or oxidation consistent with its age of approximately 175 years. Faint vertical creases suggest it may have once been part of a bound volume. The margins appear clipped but intact enough for professional framing.