Antique Map of France divided into Departments. Wilkinson c1794

$220.00

18th century map of France divided into Departments, &c. agreeable to the Decrees of the National Assembly. with inset of Corsica. c1794.

Original fine copperplate-engraved antique map, engraved on copper and with contemporary outlining of provinces and fine hand-tinting with watercolour, by fine map engraver Thomas Conder (1747-1831). Published in London in 1794 by Robert Wilkinson of No. 58 Cornhill, for his “A General Atlas, being a Collection of Maps of the World and Quarters, the Principal Empires, Kingdoms Etc. With their several Provinces, & other Subdivisions, Correctly Delineated”
Wilkinson flourished as a map-maker between 1785 and 1825.

Following the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789, the modern departments of France were created in 1790, by the National Constituent Assembly, partly to weaken the old military and historical loyalties of the provinces and create a more coherent and loyal national system. Each department was run by an elected general council, presided over by a commissioner representing the central government. The departments were subdivided into arrondissements, eachof which was under the administration of a subprefect. Arrondissements were also further subdivided – created in 1800 to take the place of earlier districts.

This map is in excellent condition with beautiful original colour. To the map border measures 230 x 290mm (9 x 11.5 inches). Page measures 10.1/2 x 13.3/8 inches (267 x 340mm)