AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a detailed mid-19th-century engraved map of the French department of Deux-Sèvres, likely originating from Victor Levasseur's 'Atlas National Illustré des 86 Départements et des Possessions de la France.' The piece is a black and white engraving on paper, featuring a central geographical map defined by its administrative boundaries and topography, surrounded by elaborate allegorical and descriptive vignettes. The top section showcases a wolf and a wild boar flanking a coat of arms, alongside still-life elements and a portrait bust. The bottom section depicts a pastoral scene with a farmer, livestock including cows, a donkey, and sheep, as well as wine barrels and local architecture. Extensive text panels flanking the map provide historical, statistical, and administrative data of the region. The engraving demonstrates high-level craftsmanship characteristic of 1840s-1850s French steel engraving, with fine line work and cross-hatching to create depth. Condition appears generally good with minor age-related toning (patina) and slight waviness in the paper, which is typical for antique prints of this period. There are visible margins, though the very bottom edge shows some slight cropping or wear near the title 'DÉPT DES DEUX SÈVRES'.

I have conducted a visual examination of the mid-19th-century engraved map of the Département des Deux-Sèvres by Victor Levasseur. The piece exhibits the hallmark characteristics of the 'Atlas National Illustré' series, specifically the 1845-1852 editions. The steel engraving displays the high-contrast fine line work typical of the period, with the elaborate allegorical borders showcasing the region's agricultural and historical identity. The condition is assessed as 'Very Good' for its age; the visible toning and paper waviness are consistent with 19th-century wood-pulp or rag paper reacting to atmospheric moisture. The slight cropping at the bottom margin is a common result of historical framing but does affect the top-tier collectibility. The market for Levasseur maps remains stable; they are highly sought after by regional collectors and decorators due to their aesthetic 'vignette' style rather than purely for cartographical data. While individual department maps are not rare, Deux-Sèvres is moderately desirable. Because this specimen is uncolored (black and white), its value is slightly lower than hand-colored variants, though it retains better detail for study. This appraisal is based solely on high-resolution imagery. A definitive authentication would require an in-person inspection to verify the paper's watermark and the 'plate mark' indentation, which distinguishes an original period strike from a modern photolithographic reproduction. Scientific testing of the ink's oxidation and an examination of the verso (back) for repairs or mounting residue would be necessary for a final valuation.