Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

Map of Corsica France with Ajaccio and Napoleon Portraits, 19th Century

About the Item

Map of Corsica France with Ajaccio and Napoleon Portraits, 19th Century Description: This finely engraved 19th-century map of Corsica, the Mediterranean island region of France, was created by Alexandre Vuillemin and published by Migeon in Paris for the *Nouvel Atlas Illustré*. Combining topographic clarity with historical reverence, this map presents Corsica in its full mountainous grandeur, surrounded by finely rendered vignettes that pay tribute to its most famous native—Napoleon Bonaparte. The map displays the entire island with detailed roads, towns, and natural features, bordered in hand-applied pink watercolor. Ajaccio, the capital and birthplace of Napoleon, is prominently marked on the western coast. Other key towns such as Bastia, Corte, Sartène, and Bonifacio are shown with accuracy, as are the island’s rivers and rugged terrain. At the top left, a panoramic engraving of Ajaccio is set against a mountainous backdrop, giving visual weight to Corsica’s dramatic landscapes and coastal towns. In the lower corners, two full-length portraits of Napoleon frame the map: one of him as a young military officer, and the other as emperor in coronation robes. These images honor Corsica’s most legendary figure and symbolize the island’s lasting influence on French and European history. Corsica is known for its fierce regional identity, natural beauty, and distinct cultural heritage. While not a major wine-exporting island in the 19th century, Corsica has long produced wines from native grapes such as Nielluccio, Sciacarello, and Vermentino. Its wine culture has grown substantially over time, now celebrated for producing robust reds and aromatic whites with Mediterranean character. In the 1800s, Corsica was also known for olive oil, citrus, and chestnut production, much of it cultivated on terraced hillsides and in rural villages. This map is a fitting tribute to the rugged independence and historical richness of Corsica. Its blend of political geography, maritime setting, and symbolic portraiture makes it a standout piece in any collection of antique French maps or Napoleonic memorabilia. Condition summary: Very good condition with light age-related toning and a few small foxing marks in the outer margins. Original hand coloring is clean and the engraving remains crisp and detailed. Framing tips: Best framed in a dark wood or empire-style frame to echo the Napoleonic theme. A soft ivory or light tan mat will complement the pink border and vignette engravings. Museum glass is recommended for long-term preservation and clarity.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 12.8 in (32.5 cm)Width: 10.28 in (26.1 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1850
  • Condition:
    Very good condition with light age-related toning and a few small foxing marks in the outer margins. Original hand coloring is clean and the engraving remains crisp and detailed.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13331-191stDibs: LU3054345363622

More From This Seller

View All
Antique Map of France, 1903, with Inset of Paris and Corsica
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Antique Map of France, 1903, with Inset of Paris and Corsica Description: This antique map, titled "France," was engraved and published in 1903 by the renowned W. & A.K. John...
Category

Early 20th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of France with Inset Map of the Island of Corsica, 1820
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'France in Departments'. Old map of France, with small inset map of the island of Corsica. Includes a table with reference to the departments. Artists and Engr...
Category

Antique 19th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Italy and Corsica, c.1860
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'North & Central Italy and the Island of Corsica'. Old map of North and Central Italy, and the island of Corsica. With an inset map of the region of Rome. Orig...
Category

Antique 19th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Map of Aude France with Carcassonne and Languedoc Vineyards, 19th Century
Located in Langweer, NL
Map of Aude France with Carcassonne and Languedoc Vineyards, 19th Century Description: This elegant 19th-century map of Aude, a department in southern France along the Mediterranean...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of France with an Inset Map of the Island of Corsica, c.1820
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Frankrijk naar de nieuwste bepalingen meerendeels gevolgd naar Lapie'. Beautiful map of France with an inset map of the island of Corsica. Includes a table with r...
Category

Antique 19th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Map of Aveyron France with Rodez, Millau and Wine Routes, 19th Century
Located in Langweer, NL
Map of Aveyron France with Rodez, Millau and Wine Routes, 19th Century Description: This detailed and decorative 19th-century map of Aveyron, a department in southern France, was dr...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Maps

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Large 19th Century Map of France
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
Large 19th Century Map of France. Remarkable condition, with a pleasing age worn patina. Recently framed. France Circa 1874.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Maps

Materials

Linen, Paper

19th Century French Napoleon III Walnut and Brass Scale with Set of Weights
Located in Dallas, TX
This Classic, antique scale with original plates was created in Dijon France, circa 1870. Rectangular in shape, the fruit wood scale embellished with marquetry fillet decor, features...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica and Dalmatian Coast: A 17th Century Dutch Map
By Theodorus Danckerts
Located in Alamo, CA
This hand colored 17th century Dutch map entitled "Novissima et Accuratissima totius Italiae Corsicae et Sardiniae Descriptio" by Theodore Danckerts depicts the Italian Peninsula in ...
Category

Antique Late 17th Century Dutch Maps

Materials

Paper

Large Pair of Signed 19th Century Relief Portrait Busts of Wellington & Napoleon
By Nathaniel Palmer
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A very handsome and impressive pair of relief portrait busts in copper depicting portrait busts of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769-1852) on the left, and Napoleon Bona...
Category

Antique 1830s English William IV Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Copper

Antique book collection of French photos and portraits 19th century
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Antique book collection of French photos and portraits 19th century
Category

Antique 19th Century French Art Nouveau Books

Materials

Paper

19th Century French Wooden Maquette/Model of the Pantheon with Napoleon I Figure
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite and highly detailed wooden maquette, dating from the late 19th century, is a remarkable representation of the Pantheon in Paris. It stands as a significant example of Bonapartist art, crafted with extraordinary precision and attention to detail. The maquette is constructed from intricately cut, re-drilled, and assembled wood, designed to form a miniature model of a temple...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Architectural Models

Materials

Wood

Recently Viewed

View All