Large antique copper engraved map of Reunion island, in the Indian ocean, by Victor Levasseur (1800-1870), a French geometre and geographer.
The island of Reunion is a French departement in the Indian Ocean between Mauritius and Madagascar.
Formerly Ile Bourbon, the island is an important sugar producer and home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
Its capital St. Denis is clearly delineated on the northwest coast, and all principal harbors are noted around the island. The map is bordered on both sides by very finely engraved depictions of foliage, barrels, fruit, fish, and animals. Oval portrait-medallions of Parny and Bertin, the island's early governors, are engraved on either side. Some text at the bottom provides additional statistical information on the island.
Engineer geographer of the middle of the 19th century, Victor Levasseur is best known for his Atlas National Illustré of the 86 Departments and Possessions of France, where are represented the French departments as well as the French colonies of America, Africa, Asia. His mapping work is appreciated for the characteristic decorations surrounding the maps.