Art

An interesting view of South America from a commercial and industrial perspective with numerous decorative embellishments. There is statistical information about the countries on either side of the map with 14 attractive vignettes depicting native inhabitants, fauna, and flora, as well as customs and industry native to each area. There are also images of a few plants and fruits of South America, which could be of commercial interest, in down corner inserts. There is also an insert showing both Americas, Europe and parts of Africa in the bottom. 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, from which this map is taken. Steel engraving. Original outline colour with later additions. Very good condition; a slight tear in the bottom of centrefold, not affecting the image. Size: 84.5 x 59.5 cm.