AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a monochrome steel engraving, likely a lithograph post-1845, representing the French department of Pyrénées-Orientales. Produced by Victor Levasseur for the 'Atlas National Illustré,' the map is framed by elaborate vignettes depicting the region's geography, industry, and culture. The composition features a central topographical map surrounded by allegorical and realistic scenes: a shepherd in traditional Basque or Catalan attire navigating rocky terrain, native flora like agave and heavy foliage, and local agricultural produce including poultry and vegetables. Text blocks on the left and right provide 'Statistique' (population, area, and administrative data) and historical summaries. Condition-wise, the cream-toned paper shows light foxing, minor creasing at the upper corners, and slight edge wear consistent with mid-19th-century prints. The engraving displays fine detail in cross-hatching and stippling, characteristic of the French cartography style during the reign of Louis-Philippe. It includes the distinctive 'Dép. des Pyrénées-Orles' title at the bottom, printed on heavy stock paper intended for an atlas binding.

Based on my examination of this monochrome steel engraving, I identify it as a plate from Victor Levasseur’s 'Atlas National Illustré,' specifically the map of the Pyrénées-Orientales department. The piece showcases the distinctive 19th-century French aesthetic of incorporating dense, allegorical vignettes around a central topographical map. The cross-hatching and stippling are consistent with mid-century lithographic techniques. The condition appears fair to good: the moderate foxing and slight creasing in the corners are typical for paper of this age (c. 1850s) and are the primary detractors from its value. Market demand for Levasseur maps remains steady due to their decorative borders, though monochrome (uncolored) versions generally command lower prices than those with contemporary hand-coloring. Comparables for individual department plates from this atlas typically sell within the $100–$250 range at retail galleries and specialized map auctions. The Pyrénées-Orientales is a desirable region, which helps maintain the value despite the foxing. Limitation of Authenticity: This appraisal is based strictly on high-resolution visual evidence. While the paper texture and engraving style appear consistent with an original 19th-century strike, a definitive authentication would require an in-person examination to verify the presence of a plate mark, paper watermark, and chemical composition of the ink (original vs. modern offset printing). Provenance documentation regarding the specific atlas binding it was removed from would also strengthen its valuation. To mitigate damage from further foxing, archival mounting is recommended.