1963 Hundredaret For Stiftelsen AF Rode Kors
By: Lucien Boucher
Date: 1963 (dated) Paris
Dimensions: 23 x 36 inches (58.5 x 91.5 cm)
This bright and lively mid-century map of the world was made to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the Red Cross. The map was made in pictorial fashion by Lucien Boucher whom by this time had already enjoyed great success making similar maps for Air France.
Throughout the map, numerous Red Cross stations are located and identified by their varying degree of establishment and affiliation. These range from countries with international recognition of the Red Cross, Red Crescent or Red Lion and Sun Societies to countries with a national cooperation and others in the process of securing a national company. This information is conveyed in a green scroll over Asia which at the bottom notes "The International Red Cross has over 150 million members."
Decorative elements of the map include vignettes of various people, buildings, plants, and animals representative of their geographic location. This style is quite common among Lucien Boucher works. Surrounding the map is a decorative border illustrating various scenes of Red Cross members coming to the aide of people from around the world. Atop and below the map are a total of 87 national flags, honoring all countries with a Red Cross affiliation.
In the southern Indian Ocean, a title cartouche is adorned with the portrait of Henri Dunant (1828 - 1910) a Swiss humanitarian, businessman and social activist, whom after witnessing the the aftermath of the Battle of Solferino in modern-day Italy recorded his memories and experiences in the book "A Memory of Solferino." It was this writing that inspired the creation of the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1863.
Condition: This pictorial map is in B+ condition with some minor scuffs and edge tears confined within the wide margins. The map has been linen-backed for preservation purposes.
Inventory #11456
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