Antique Map of Haute-Marne France by Vuillemin with Decorative Insets, 1840s
This finely engraved and hand-colored map of Haute-Marne, a historical department in northeastern France, was produced by Alexandre Vuillemin and lithographed by A. Vallée around the 1840s. Published as part of the renowned mid-19th century French atlas series La France, it combines geographical detail with artistic flourishes.
The map outlines departmental boundaries in color and is embellished with vignettes and scenes relevant to Haute-Marne. These include a portrait of Jean-Baptiste Drouet, the postmaster of Sainte-Menehould famous for recognizing and halting King Louis XVI during his failed flight to Varennes, and a charming city view of Langres, a historic fortified town. The lower left features an illustrated figure of a local citizen, adding a human touch to the cartography. The departmental coat of arms appears to the right, further emphasizing regional pride.
Notable towns and locations shown (with significance):
1. Langres – fortified hilltop town, Roman walls 2. Chaumont – departmental capital, WWI US HQ 3. Joinville – medieval heritage, Renaissance château 4. Bourbonne-les-Bains – ancient Roman spa town 5. Saint-Dizier – industrial hub, WWII bombing 6. Montier-en-Der – abbey origin, marshlands 7. Wassy – 1562 massacre started French Wars of Religion 8. Bologne – known for cutlery and metalwork 9. Andelot-Blancheville – Merovingian treaty 587 AD 10. Doulaincourt – scenic village near river valleys 11. Rolampont – strategic Roman and medieval site 12. Cirey-sur-Blaise – Voltaire’s residence with Emilie du Châtelet 13. Colombey-les-Deux-Églises – General Charles de Gaulle's home and resting place 14. Châteauvillain – medieval ramparts and fairgrounds 15. Arc-en-Barrois – royal hunting lodge and game forest 16. Humes – near Langres, entry to Haute-Marne 17. Clefmont – ruined medieval castle 18. Riaucourt – Roman bridge and quiet canals 19. Fayl-Billot – center of traditional basketry 20. Maranville – birthplace of Enlightenment philosopher Diderot 21. Goncourt – forested countryside 22. Semoutiers – near Chaumont air base 23. Peigney – fortified gateway of Langres basin 24. Froncles – small town on the Marne river 25. Serqueux – rural tranquility 26. Sommevoire – sculpture foundry tradition 27. Vignory – charming Romanesque church 28. Autreville-sur-la-Renne – Renne river scenery 29. Prez-sous-Lafauche – traditional rural architecture 30. Villegusien – reservoir and nature 31. Maizières – ancient site of Gallo-Roman activity 32. Thivet – historic monastery grounds 33. Liffol-le-Petit – furniture craftsmanship region 34. Leffonds – heritage manor and landscapes 35. Osne-le-Val – architectural cast iron foundries 36. Anrosey – nestled in a green valley 37. Vaux-sous-Aubigny – birthplace of Pope Callixtus II 38. Montot-sur-Rognon – Rognon river valley 39. Is-en-Bassigny – medieval castle remains 40. Val-de-Meuse – multiple hamlets and forts 41. Melay – ancient ecclesiastical site 42. Genevrières – small pastoral village 43. Rivières-le-Bois – near river and forest 44. Mandres-la-Côte – scenic countryside 45. Poissons – baroque church and village charm 46. Brousseval – metallurgy village 47. Rimaucourt – large commune in north 48. Laville-aux-Bois – woodland area 49. Neuilly-sur-Suize – meandering Suize river 50. Vauxbons – remote and peaceful hamlet
This map is not only informative but decorative, featuring crisp engraving and clear typography. The lightly applied hand coloring on borders and rivers accentuates its appeal without overwhelming the detail.
Condition report: Very good condition. Wide margins with some light age toning, mostly around edges. Clean central area with no tears or repairs. No visible folding line, suggesting it was never bound. Slight foxing in the left margin, not affecting the image. Plate mark clearly visible.
Framing tips: This map would benefit from a soft ivory mat with a narrow olive or sage green inner border to echo the light hand coloring. A thin walnut or antiqued gold wooden frame would provide a classic finish suitable for both traditional and modern interiors.
Technique: Engraving with original hand coloring Maker: Alexandre Vuillemin, Paris, circa 1840s
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