Antique Map of Maine-et-Loire by Victor Levasseur

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.