France - World Map; Furne - Atlas Universel de Géographie...

Antique French World Map – Furne, Paris – 19th Century – Original Atlas Plate No. 8 – Metal Engraving A beautiful and authentic 19th-century French world map, entitled MAPPE-MONDE, published by Furne in Paris, representing an elegant example of historical French cartography. Dating from approximately 1860–1880, this original atlas plate, numbered No. 8, depicts the world in two finely detailed hemispheres, featuring delicate geographical engravings, elegant typography and attractive period pastel colouring. The map bears the original publisher's inscription “Publié par Furne, à Paris” and the printer's credit “Imp. au taille-douce de Lemercier, r. de Seine, 57, Paris”, confirming its Parisian origin and traditional intaglio printing technique using a metal plate. Historical Background and Provenance Research has identified a corresponding Mappe-Monde published by Furne and printed by Lemercier, attributed to the Atlas Universel de Géographie Ancienne et Moderne, associated with the distinguished French cartographers Ambroise Tardieu and Alexandre Vuillemin. This important geographical atlas was published in various editions during the 19th century, including editions from the 1860s onwards. The identification of the publisher, printer and original plate number provides a valuable connection to the history of French cartographic publishing. Although the precise edition of this particular sheet has not been conclusively established, its characteristics are consistent with the second half of the 19th century. The two hemispheres offer a fascinating insight into the geographical knowledge and political boundaries of the period, with finely engraved continents, oceans, territories, meridians and historical place names. Original Engraving Technique The map was produced using the traditional intaglio engraving technique (taille-douce), printed from an engraved metal matrix. This historical printing process allowed cartographers to reproduce exceptionally fine geographical details, precise lettering and delicate engraved lines. The original printer's inscription confirms the use of this traditional technique. The attractive period colouring enhances the geographical divisions and creates a harmonious composition of soft pastel shades. Originality and Condition An especially important feature is that the original atlas sheet remains complete and untrimmed, preserving its original dimensions and characteristic central fold from the atlas binding. The paper displays a beautiful and authentic antique patina, with natural age-related toning, minor foxing and gentle undulations consistent with its considerable age. The slight waviness visible in the photographs is due to the fact that the map is not yet framed or mounted under glass. These natural irregularities may become less noticeable following professional framing. The original map is attached to the passe-partout with only two small pieces of plant-based adhesive tape, intended to be easily removable without damaging the historical paper. This discreet, non-permanent mounting allows the map to be separated from the passe-partout for future framing or conservation, while preserving the integrity of the original atlas sheet. The original geographical details remain beautifully legible, and the delicate period colours retain their attractive appearance. Overall condition: Good antique condition, with authentic age-related characteristics and a complete, untrimmed original atlas sheet. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description. Elegant Presentation The map is beautifully presented with a deep ocean-blue passe-partout, specially selected to complement the historical cartography and create an elegant contrast with the warm tones of the antique paper. The sophisticated combination of colours highlights the two hemispheres and gives the piece a refined, museum-inspired appearance. Ready for professional framing, this antique map would make an impressive decorative feature in a library, study, office or elegant interior. Details and Dimensions Title: MAPPE-MONDE Origin: Paris, France Period: 19th century, approximately 1860–1880 Publisher: Furne, Paris Printer: Lemercier, 57 Rue de Seine, Paris Atlas attribution: Atlas Universel de Géographie Ancienne et Moderne Associated cartographers: Ambroise Tardieu and Alexandre Vuillemin Original plate number: No. 8 Technique: Intaglio engraving (taille-douce), printed from an engraved metal matrix Colouring: Period pastel colouring Original atlas sheet: Approximately 50 × 40 cm Overall dimensions including passe-partout: Approximately 60 × 50 cm Condition: Good antique condition, with original patina and natural age-related characteristics Presentation: Elegant deep ocean-blue passe-partout Mounting: Two small pieces of removable plant-based adhesive tape Framing: Unframed, ready for professional framing A Timeless Piece of French Cartographic History A captivating example of 19th-century French cartographic craftsmanship, combining historical interest, traditional metal-plate engraving and refined decorative beauty. Its association with the celebrated French geographical publishing tradition, together with its complete and untrimmed original atlas sheet, makes it particularly appealing to collectors of antique maps, historical atlases, geographical engravings and French cartography. The elegant ocean-blue passe-partout further enhances its decorative character, making it equally attractive as a distinctive historical artwork for a sophisticated interior. An authentic piece of 19th-century geographical history, beautifully preserved in its original atlas format and elegantly presented for its next owner.

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