Antique Map of Morbihan by Vuillemin – France Département Map c.1850
This finely engraved and delicately hand-colored map of the département of Morbihan in Brittany, France, was published around 1850 by Alexandre Vuillemin. It forms part of his acclaimed decorative atlas *La France Illustrée*, celebrated for its rich blend of cartographic detail and artistic embellishments.
The map highlights the roadways, rivers, and borders of the region, framed by detailed vignettes that showcase local culture, architecture, and historical figures. In the upper corners are a crest of Morbihan and a figure of Bisson, officer of the artillery, commemorating military achievement. At the bottom, a coastal vignette shows the port city of Vannes, anchoring the department’s maritime heritage.
The territory of Morbihan is bordered in pink, with surrounding departments finely delineated. The rivers and key roads are traced in blue, red, green, and yellow, enhancing the topographical clarity. Named after the “little sea” (Mor-Bihan in Breton), the department is famous for its coastal character and prehistoric legacy.
Fifty notable places are labeled across the map, offering a layered narrative of the region’s culture and significance:
1. **Vannes** – Historic capital, Roman origins 2. **Auray** – Medieval port town, battle of 1364 3. **Carnac** – Prehistoric megaliths 4. **Lorient** – Naval base, colonial trade port 5. **Hennebont** – Fortified medieval town 6. **Pontivy** – Napoleonic urban plan 7. **Quiberon** – Coastal peninsula, royalist uprising site 8. **Josselin** – Château and canal crossroads 9. **Plouay** – Known for cycling competitions 10. **Ploërmel** – Religious heritage, astronomical clock 11. **Locminé** – Former monastic center 12. **Baud** – Rural crossroads 13. **La Trinité-sur-Mer** – Sailing and regattas 14. **Belle-Île-en-Mer** – Largest Breton island 15. **Guer** – Site of Coëtquidan military academy 16. **Le Faouët** – Historic market town 17. **Questembert** – Timber market hall 18. **Riantec** – Coastal village 19. **Sarzeau** – Presqu’île de Rhuys seat 20. **Erdeven** – Beaches and dolmens 21. **Sérent** – Inland agricultural hub 22. **Arzon** – Southernmost commune, Port-Navalo 23. **Ploemeur** – Adjacent to Lorient, aeronautic ties 24. **Landaul** – River town 25. **Caudan** – Lorient’s inland buffer 26. **Elven** – Fortified motte 27. **Bubry** – Central commune 28. **Camors** – Forests and legends 29. **Theix** – Access to Gulf of Morbihan 30. **Brandivy** – Rural inland town 31. **Quistinic** – Village de Poul-Fetan museum 32. **Plumelec** – Tour de France stages 33. **Malestroit** – Medieval canal town 34. **Lizio** – Artistic commune 35. **Le Tour-du-Parc** – Oyster farming 36. **La Gacilly** – Arts and photography festivals 37. **Grand-Champ** – Strategic crossroads 38. **Brech** – Site of 1795 Quiberon Expedition 39. **Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuys** – Ancient abbey 40. **Saint-Avé** – Vannes suburb, urbanizing 41. **Pénestin** – Cliffs and oyster parks 42. **Monterblanc** – Inland commune 43. **Caden** – Transition between plains and hills 44. **Lauzach** – Small rural commune 45. **Saint-Nolff** – Near Vannes 46. **Ruffiac** – Border town to Loire-Atlantique 47. **Pleucadeuc** – Known for twin festival 48. **Sérent** – Inland traditions 49. **Molac** – Central crossroads 50. **Saint-Martin-sur-Oust** – Along the canal
Each of these locations contributes to the region’s narrative, whether through historical events, architectural significance, or geographical identity. The Gulf of Morbihan’s intricate inland sea, surrounded by islands, provides a dramatic southern border to the map and reinforces the region’s enduring maritime character.
Condition report: Very good condition. Minor age-toning near the edges. Light foxing in outer margins. Plate mark visible. No tears or repairs.
Framing tips: This decorative map will pair well with a wide ivory or cream mat and a black or dark oak wooden frame. To highlight the hand-coloring, a double mat with an inner line in rose pink or sea blue would echo the coastal hues of the département.
Technique: Engraving with original hand coloring Maker: Alexandre Vuillemin, Paris, circa 1850
Bartele Gallery. Original antique maps, sea charts, engravings and works on paper. This is a plain text rendering of a page that is otherwise built in the browser. The catalogue index is at https://www.bartele.net/catalogue and machine readable notes are at https://www.bartele.net/llms.txt.