Indo Chine Francaise -- Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia - Vintage pictorial map 1945
by Moira Risen Prints
Title
Indo Chine Francaise -- Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia - Vintage pictorial map 1945
Artist
Moira Risen Prints
Medium
Mixed Media - Lithography
Description
Indo Chine Francaise -- Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia - An iconic vintage pictorial map from 1945 by Lucien Boucher, extra embellished with the title section cut out and replaced by a printed example of artist Tyra Kleen's watercolor of a Javanese Dancer in a Seated Pose.
Printed in Paris by Perceval for "l'association pour l'Indochine française" the map presents a united and unpartitioned vision of French Indochina, painted in a palette of red on yellow, with prominent cities like Hanoi and Phnom Penh clearly marked. Boucher's portrayal of the region, undivided by internal borders, is an idyllic and harmonious one, seemingly unaffected by the turmoil of World War II.
Despite the serene representation, the only hint of conflict is the depiction of a battleship in the South China Sea, a solitary nod to the recent Japanese occupation. The map otherwise focuses on the tranquility and natural bounty of the land. Boucher brings to life the diverse wildlife with intricate vignettes of elephants, snakes, monkeys, deer, tigers, and leopards. The map not only celebrates the fauna but also the economic activities and natural resources of the region, including scenes of rice planting, farming, logging, and mining.
Cultural and historical richness is captured through small but detailed illustrations of the majestic archaeological sites such as the temple ruins of Cambodia's Angkor Wat, Kampong Cham, and the ancient Imperial City of Hué in Vietnam. The surrounding seas are animated with oriental junks and fishing vessels among the lively sea life, including fish, turtles, and even a mythical sea creature.
The artistic composition is masterfully balanced with a large, ornate compass rose in the upper right, which mirrors the intricate title cartouche on the lower left. These elements, along with the oriental motifs and decorations, further accentuate the exotic allure and commercial appeal of the region, making Boucher's work not just a map but a celebration of French Indochina's indigenous culture and valued economic potential.
More pictorial maps from around the world available in the collection.
Uploaded
July 30th, 2024
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