1951 Liozu Pictorial Map of Lyonnais, France

Rare Pictorial Map the Heart of French Silkmaking.

This is a colorful pictorial map of Lyonnais, the heart of the French silk industry, drawn by Jacques Liozu in 1951.

A Closer Look

The map's coverage spans from the confluence of the Rhone and the Isere rivers in the south, to the limits of Bourgogne in the north. In addition to the main city of Lyon, the cities of Montbrison, Villefranche, Roanne, and St. Etienne are among those depicted. The map is rich with pictorial depictions of the characteristic products of the region. The northern part of Lyonnais is replete with viticultural images, bundles of grapes and bottles of wine. The coal and factories in and around St. Etienne are depicted as well. Cattle and farming regions appear throughout. Papermaking, fishing, bicycle manufacture, and the arts are all included. But central to all are images of the silk industry, particular to Lyon.

The title cartouche in lower left is presented as a proscenium, at which four people in local garb are entertained by a puppet show. This is Guignol, a French precursor to the Punch-and-Judy show, and it is itself a nod to the Lyonnais silk industry. The creator of these satirical shows, Laurent Mourguet, and their titular main character Guignol, were silk weavers. The people of the original audience were silk producers as well. Thus, the image represents both the region and its historical core trade.

Publication History and Census

This map was prepared by artist Jacques Lizou as part of a series on the provinces of France, printed by Odé Paris in 1951. Aside from the David Rumsey Historical Map Collection, the map does not appear in any institutional catalogs and is scarce to the market.

Cartographer

Jacques Liozu (1910 - 1974) was a French cartographer, painter, and illustrator active during the mid-20th century. Liozu is known for his wonderful pictorial maps of many different parts of the world.   Further Details...

Condition

Excellent.

References

Rumsey 8491.020.