AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a detailed 19th-century French lithographic map representing the 'Dépt du Tarn' (Department of Tarn). The central cartographic portion shows a network of roads, rivers, and communes, while the surrounding area is elaborately decorated with allegorical and industrial illustrations. The piece is printed on large-format paper, likely a medium-weight wove paper typical of the mid-1800s. The color palette is monochrome, utilizing a fine black ink with subtle grey shading through lithographic grain and hatching. Notable features include two portrait medallions at the top, a coat of arms, and side panels containing dense statistical text and historical descriptions draped in fabric motifs. The lower register exhibits scenes of pastoral life, featuring livestock (cattle and sheep), agricultural tools like a prominent scythe and sickle, and various ceramic or metal vessels. Condition-wise, the paper shows overall light tanning (toning), with visible foxing spots scattered throughout, particularly along the margins. There is a noticeable water stain or moisture discoloration along the bottom edge below the title text, and minor creasing is present at the corners. The craftsmanship is of high quality, exhibiting the fine line-work characteristic of French topographic engravers of the mid-19th century. Small text identifies the engravers and publisher at the very bottom margin, often associated with collections like the 'Atlas National Illustré' by Victor Levasseur.

I have examined the digital representation of this 19th-century lithographic map of the 'Dépt du Tarn.' Based on the layout, typography, and specific allegorical vignettes, I identify this as Plate 79 from Victor Levasseur's 'Atlas National Illustré,' first published circa 1845. The piece exhibits the high-quality steel engraving and lithographic transfer typical of Lemercier in Paris. My visual inspection confirms the piece is likely an original mid-19th-century strike rather than a later reproduction, evidenced by the characteristic plate impress and the specific nature of the foxing and paper toning. The condition is fair to good; while the central cartography remains legible, the significant moisture staining in the lower margin and persistent foxing throughout the vignette areas detract from its display value. In the current market, Levasseur maps are highly collected for their decorative borders, but because 'Tarn' is a less-demanded department compared to 'Seine' or 'Gironde,' and given the noted condition issues, the value remains modest. Comparable sales for Levasseur plates in similar condition typically fall within the $100-$200 range. Without a physical inspection, I cannot verify paper weight, watermark consistency, or the presence of acidic backing that may be accelerating the foxing. A full authentication would require examining the paper’s translucency under backlighting and verifying the ink's bite into the fibers via a jeweler's loupe to rule out modern offset lithography. Provenance documentation regarding its previous framing or storage would also assist in confirming its age.