Victor Levasseur
34 x 48 cm
Decorative map of the Asian continent originating from one of the last decorative atlases of the 19th Century.
The map itself is full of information and coloured outlines denote the boundary lines for the countries. The map radiates from the North Pole, outlining in colour only the countries belonging to Asia missing some of the South East Asian archipelago south of the Malay Peninsula, but does show part of Europe, the north of Australia and Polynesia.
To the left of the map, a crowned figure sits atop a scroll of 'statistics' about the continent, which also briefly describes the history and the Empires of such important figures as Genghis Khan and Confucius.
To the right of the map, Adam and Eve, looked over by God, sit in the Garden of Eden above another scroll titled "Population" which lists the inhabitants of the principal countries and Empires within Asia.
Above and below the map, ten charmingly framed miniature portraits of Asian peoples in traditional dress, between a collection of weapons, animals, fruit and flowers.
Engraved by Raymond Bonheur (1796-1849) for the "Universal Illustrated Atlas". Coloured. [AS1264]