Antique Map of Mayenne – Hand-Colored Engraving by Levasseur, France c.1850
This finely detailed 19th-century engraved map of the department of Mayenne in northwestern France was created by the esteemed French cartographer Victor Levasseur and published around 1850 as part of his celebrated Atlas National Illustré. Known for combining accurate geography with richly decorative elements, Levasseur's maps remain among the most visually striking and collectible of the 19th century.
The map itself outlines the boundaries of Mayenne and is enhanced with original hand-coloring that highlights département borders, roads, rivers, and communes. The surrounding steel-engraved vignettes add an artistic and ethnographic dimension: at the top, a detailed townscape of Laval is shown in a scenic panoramic view; at left and right, depictions of local inhabitants in traditional dress provide insight into regional culture. In the lower right corner is a portrait of Jean de Cheverus (1768–1836), a prominent Laval-born bishop who became the first Archbishop of Boston and later Archbishop of Bordeaux.
Additional illustrations include the Mayenne coat of arms, regional flora and fauna, and agricultural motifs—emphasizing the rural and historical identity of the department. The layout is vertically oriented, with a baroque cartouche at the bottom framing the name "Mayenne" in an ornate style typical of Levasseur’s aesthetic. Printed text in the lower margin confirms the engraver as Levasseur and the publisher as A. Combette.
This map not only serves as a geographical reference but also as a visual document of French provincial life in the mid-19th century. It is ideal for collectors of historical cartography, Francophiles, or anyone with an interest in Mayenne’s local heritage.
Selected towns and why they matter:
1. Laval – departmental capital 2. Mayenne – historic town 3. Château-Gontier – commercial hub 4. Ernée – cultural center 5. Craon – medieval heritage 6. Gorron – rural economy 7. Saint-Berthevin – growing suburb 8. Evron – Romanesque architecture 9. Villaines-la-Juhel – scenic location 10. Andouillé – traditional farming 11. Pré-en-Pail – forested uplands 12. Ambrières-les-Vallées – natural park access 13. Montsûrs – historic structures 14. Meslay-du-Maine – Roman origins 15. Cossé-le-Vivien – art museum 16. Loiron – pilgrimage route 17. Saint-Pierre-des-Nids – outdoor recreation 18. Sainte-Suzanne – listed heritage site 19. Renazé – mining history 20. L'Huisserie – near Laval 21. Quelaines-Saint-Gault – rural crafts 22. Martigné-sur-Mayenne – riverside town 23. Argentré – rural landscape 24. Saint-Denis-de-Gastines – religious architecture 25. Louverné – Laval proximity 26. La Baconnière – scenic plateau 27. Landivy – border village 28. Chantrigné – regional farming 29. Congrier – local markets 30. Bouère – historic church 31. Vaiges – Roman road route 32. Bais – quiet village 33. Ballée – local traditions 34. Courbeveille – picturesque setting 35. Gesvres – forested commune 36. Bazougers – agricultural fair 37. Fromentières – traditional life 38. La Gravelle – transport junction 39. Chemazé – pastoral charm 40. Nuillé-sur-Vicoin – green countryside 41. Saint-Aignan-sur-Roë – rural heritage 42. Saint-Georges-Buttavent – artisan town 43. Sacé – natural surroundings 44. Saint-Loup-du-Dorat – farming village 45. La Bigottière – peaceful hamlet 46. Parigné-sur-Braye – fertile valley 47. Saint-Fort – near Château-Gontier 48. Saint-Mars-sur-Colmont – small community 49. Saint-Germain-d’Anxure – charming locale 50. Saint-Ouën-des-Toits – local heritage
Condition report: Excellent condition overall. Light age toning to margins; central image clean. No visible tears, folds, or major foxing. Crisp plate mark present.
Framing tips: This map would look especially attractive with a cream or soft grey mat and a thin black or antique gold frame to emphasize the engraved detail and blue-colored borders. A double mat with a pale blue inner line could echo the border color and bring subtle harmony to the composition.
Technique: Hand-colored engraving Maker: V. Levasseur, Paris, c.1850
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