1854 (undated) 10 x 13 in (25.4 x 33.02 cm)
An uncommon and extremely attractive 1852 map of the Austrian empire. The map covers the territories claimed by the once vast Austro-Hungarian empire, including in whole or part the modern day nations of Austria, Hungary, Germany, Italy, Albania, Croatia, Romania, and the Czech Republic. Also includes parts of Turkey, Switzerland, Germany, Russia, Prussia and Poland. Throughout, the map identifies various cities, towns, rivers and assortment of additional topographical details. The Austrian empire, founded in 1804 by the last Holy Roman emperor, Francis II, lasted only till 1866. It was transformed into the Austro-Hungarian empire after Austria was defeated in the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. The map features a beautiful frame style border. Prepared by A. Vuillemin for publication as plate no. 13 in Maison Basset's 1852 edition of Atlas Illustre Destine a l'enseignement de la Geographie elementaire.
Alexandre Vuillemin (1812-1880) was a cartographer and an book editor based in Paris, France. 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 his detailed, highly decorative large format Atlas Illustre de Geographie Commerciale et Industrielle.
Jean Denis Barbie du Bocage (1760 - 1825) and his son Jean-Guillaume Barbie du Bocage (1795 - 1848) were French cartographers and cosmographers active in Paris during late 18th and early 19th centuries. The elder Barbie du Bocage, Jean Denis, was trained as a cartographer and engraver in the workshops of mapmaking legend J. B. B. d'Anville. At some point Jean Denis held the post of Royal Librarian of France and it was through is associations with d'Anville that the d'Anville collection of nearly 9000 maps was acquired by French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The younger Barbie du Bocage, Jean-Guillaume, acquired a position shortly afterwards at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, in time, became its head, with the title of Geographe du Ministere des Affaires Etrangeres.
Barbie du Bocage, J. D., Atlas Illustre Destine a l'Enseignement de la Geographie Elementaire, (Paris: Maison Basset) 1852.
Very good. Blank on verso. Minor foxing throughout.