1948 Afrique du Nord
By: Blondel la Rougery
Date: 1948, France
Dimensions: 9.5 x 12 inches (24 x 30 cm)
This pictorial map of North Africa is a fine example of the work of Blondel la Rougery, a leading cartography company in twentieth century France. Interestingly, the map does not show the borders of European colonial holdings in the area, instead opting to just label their names. Produced in 1948, Blondel la Rougery’s map is a wonderful example of pictorial cartography.
Placing the Sahara Desert in the center, the map highlights many cities and trade settlements of the area, like Casablanca, Tombouctou (Timbuktu), and Khartoum. On the borders of the print are vignettes of historical scenes and figures. Hannibal’s crossing of the Alps is featured––when the Carthaginian general Hannibal made an attack on Italy by taking his soldiers and 37 elephants up from North Africa, through Spain and France, and over the Alps into Italy. Also pictured are Jean Gabriel Marchand, Napoleon Bonaparte, and the cities of Algiers and Cairo.
The map is in full color with beautiful detail and finely produced illustrations. With its fascinating historical detail, this map by Blondel la Rougery is a beautiful example of mid-century mapmaking and pictorial cartography.
Condition: Map is in A condition with full margins and bright colors.
Inventory #12117
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