Art

An interesting view of Oceania from industrial perspective, with numerous decorative embellishments. There is statistical information about the islands on either side of the map with 14 attractive vignettes depicting native inhabitants, fauna, and flora, as well as customs, religious beliefs and industry native to each area. These include islands in Dutch, Spanish, English and French possession as well as independent regions. There are also images of a few plants and fruits of Oceania, which could be of commercial interest, in down corner inserts. The actual map has forts, ports and mines marked on it. Alexandre Vuillemin (1812-1880) was a cartographer and a book editor based in Paris. Despite a prolific cartographic career, much of Vuillemin's life is shrouded in mystery. What is known is that his studied under the prominent French Auguste Henri Dufour (1798-1865). Vuillemin's most important work is his detailed, highly decorative large format Atlas de Géographie Commerciale et Industrielle. Steel engraving. Original outline colour with later additions. Very good condition; slight tear in the bottom of centrefold, not affecting the image. Size: 84.5 x 59.5 cm.