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This pictorial map of Saarland, created by Eugene Henri Cordier for Atelier Willy Fischer in Strasbourg and lithographed by A. Michel, vividly captures the region's geographic and cultural identity.
The map includes a central heraldic title cartouche featuring the coat of arms of Saarland, which is prominently displayed alongside six other regional coats of arms, symbolizing key towns within the region such as Saarbrücken, Saarlouis, Merzig, Neunkirchen, St. Ingert and Homburg.
The map showcases Saarland’s industrial landscape, with small illustrations highlighting factories, mines, churches, castles, and key historical sites. These illustrations are scattered across the vibrant yellow background representing the territory, and they are connected by a network of red roads and blue rivers, with the Saar River running through the heart of the map. Noteworthy architectural landmarks, such as the Gothic-style St. Johann Basilica in Saarbrücken, are easily identifiable, giving the map both a practical and decorative appeal.
Saarland, located in southwestern Germany along the border with France, has a complex history shaped by alternating control between Germany and France, particularly after the World Wars. Following World War II, Saarland was placed under French administration and became economically integrated with France. This political context is crucial for understanding the map’s depiction and the establishment of the Saarländische Kreditbank.
The bank's history began in 1947 when the Deutsche Bank branches in Saarbrücken were placed under French control. Subsequently, these operations were taken over by the newly formed Saarländische Kreditbank AG. Initially called Crédit Sarrois SA, the bank was established by a consortium of French banks and industrial firms, led by Crédit Industriel d'Alsace et de Lorraine (CIAL).
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