Victor Levasseur Map Appraisal

Victor Levasseur Antique Map of the Tarn-et-Garonne Department

This is a mid-19th-century steel-engraved map of the French department of Tarn-et-Garonne, originally published in Victor Levasseur's 'Atlas National Illustré des 86 Départements et des Possessions de la France.' The map is characterized by its highly decorative border, which features elaborate allegorical vignettes. These illustrations include two portrait medallions at the top (likely of local historical figures), a classical river deity emerging from a cornucopia, and a representation of local industry and agriculture shown by a man tending to barrels, crates, and livestock (a horse and donkey). The central part of the engraving contains a detailed geographical map showing river systems like the Garonne and Aveyron, as well as roads and administrative divisions. Accompanying the map are blocks of text describing the statistics, climate, and commerce of the region. The print is executed in monochrome black ink on a cream-colored or off-white heavy paper stock. Notable condition issues include visible foxing and light brown staining throughout the lower margin and bottom right corner, as well as minor creasing along the outer edges that do not affect the central image. The craftsmanship represents the peak of French cartographical artistry during the 1840s to 1860s period, blending precise geography with neoclassical romantic decoration.