AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a mid-19th-century steel-engraved map of the French department Maine-et-Loire, specifically from Victor Levasseur's renowned 'Atlas National Illustré.' The piece is printed on heavy cream-toned paper with black ink, featuring a centrally located topographical map surrounded by elaborate, highly detailed vignettes characteristic of the Romantic era. The illustrations depict regional identity through local fauna (including a large stag, a horse, and poultry), industrial and agricultural activities (such as a distillery apparatus and farming equipment), and a portrait of a local notable in the top right corner. The top center features the departmental crest. Textual panels provide 'Statistique' (population and administrative data) and 'Célébrités' (historical figures), demonstrating the period's interest in encyclopedic knowledge. The print exhibits fine-line engraving quality with sophisticated cross-hatching and shading. Regarding condition, there is several prominent foxing spots and water staining along the upper and lower margins, along with minor yellowing consistent with an age of approximately 170 years. The margins appear uncut, though some edge wear is visible. The piece reflects the peak of French cartographic art, merging scientific geographical data with allegorical and decorative illustration.

I have virtually examined this steel-engraved map of the Maine-et-Loire department from Victor Levasseur's 'Atlas National Illustré' (circa 1850). The piece displays the hallmark characteristics of Mid-19th Century French cartography, specifically the distinctive allegorical borders and encyclopedic statistics that made Levasseur’s work iconic. Authenticity appears consistent with original steel-plate impressions, evidenced by the characteristic fine-line density and standard marginal layout. The item's value is significantly impacted by its condition. While the central engraving remains legible and the ink saturation is strong, the presence of prominent foxing spots and moisture staining in the margins reduces its appeal to 'Fine' grade collectors. However, the decorative vignettes—featuring local industry and fauna—remain highly sought after for interior design purposes. Market demand for Levasseur maps remains steady due to their aesthetic appeal, though individual departments vary in rarity; Maine-et-Loire is a standard piece frequently seen in the trade. Recent auction results for similar Levasseur plates in better condition range higher, but the current staining necessitates a conservative valuation. Limitations: This appraisal is based on digital images. A physical inspection is required to confirm the presence of a plate mark, verify paper weight/watermarks, and check for light-induced acidity or thinning (skinning). To fully authenticate this as a first-edition strike rather than a later 19th-century lithographic reproduction, I would need to examine the paper under 10x magnification to identify the specific 'bite' of the steel engraving versus the flat surface of a lithograph. No provenance documentation was provided, which would further solidify its historical chain of custody.