Doyen, Michele
Michele Doyen (1809 - 1861), a Frenchman from Dijon, was the founder of the Tipografia e litografia Michele Doyen in Turin (Torino), Italy. Doyen came to Turin in 1829 with the printer Demetrio Festa, a pioneer in lithography in Italy, and worked with him for several years. In 1833, he opened his own lithography shop with his partner Michele Ajello, who left the firm in 1838. By 1845, Doyen had established himself as the leading lithographic printer in Turin, employing some twenty-five workers and even opening a branch in Genoa under his brother, Leonardo (operating later as Litografia Fratelli Doyen e Compagnia). After Michele's death, Leonardo continued to manage the firm until his own death in 1891, when management passed to Michele's son Camillo. However, in 1890, the firm was acquired by Luigi Simondetti, who changed its name to include his own (Lit. Doyen di L. Simondetti). Adapting with the times to focus on chromolithographic printing, the firm remained one of the most prominent printers in Turin in the early 20th century, producing posters, maps, and postcards. Its output declined by the late 1920s, and its building was destroyed in an Allied air raid in August 1943. The company appears to have survived for a short time afterwards, but never recovered from this wartime destruction and closed c. 1945.
We're Still Hunting
We don't yet have any maps by this cartographer in stock — but that's more a matter of timing than availability. New acquisitions arrive regularly, and pieces from this maker do surface. Check back soon, or reach out if you're specifically looking for one — we're always happy to keep an eye out.
Have a map by this cartographer you're looking to sell? We'd love to hear from you.