Grand, decorative map of the European continent originating from one of the last great decorative atlases of the 19th Century. The map itself uses outline colour to denote the borders of the European countries and names only the most important cities of the time. Geography extends to show part of Asia, Africa, the Middle East and northern Canada.



Surrounding the map, a frame containing the insignia of each European country and miniature portraits of important figures in history such as Napoleon Bonaparte, Maximilien Robespierre, and Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V.





To the left, a statue which could be likened to Marianne, atop a column titled 'Peace and Abundance' [Paix, Abondance] and another figure clutching an anchor representing Commerce, with a silhouette of volcanoes and a faint vision of the Column of the Grande Armée, a statue of Napoléon .



On the right, another statue atop a column holding scales emblazoned 'Equity and Truth' [Équité, Vérité] and to the left of her, a figure representing agriculture holding a scythe, with a silhouette of the July Column [La Colonne de Juillet] commemorating the French Revolution of 1830. Etched on the column the population of independent



Above the map, the crowned female allegorical figure, Europa, sits atop the throne with religious iconography and fruit. Beside her, the words 'Progress' and 'Fraternity'.



Below the map, a charming scene of cherubs using scientific instruments in the process of mapmaking, and depicted painting and sculpting, with a central scene of a bookbinding press surrounded by books - all of which represent the sciences and arts - and overall knowledge.



Coloured. [EUR1560]