This 1842 map of France, created by James Wyld, reflects the administrative divisions established under the Treaty of Paris.
The map outlines the new boundaries of the departments and districts within France, as well as key infrastructure details such as the locations of railroads and post leagues, as indicated in the map’s legend. Wyld, a prominent British cartographer, published this map in London, and it offers a detailed view of France's geography and political structure during a time of considerable transformation in Europe.
The map is elegantly engraved, featuring distinct colors to demarcate the various departments, each with its principal town underlined. A network of railroads and post leagues is meticulously marked, showcasing France’s growing transportation infrastructure. The boundary lines clearly distinguish the departments and their respective districts, aiding in administrative and postal navigation.
The map provides valuable insight into post-Napoleonic France, reflecting its efforts to rebuild and modernize its national framework.
James Wyld Sr. (1790-1836) was a British cartographer and one of Europe’s leading mapmakers. He made many contributions to cartography, including the introduction of lithography into map printing in 1812.
William Faden, another celebrated cartographer, passed down his mapmaking business to Wyld in 1823. The quality and quantity of Faden’s maps, combined with Wyld’s considerable skill, brought Wyld great prestige.
Wyld was named geographer to Kings George IV and William IV, as well as HRH the Duke of York. In 1825, he was elected an Associate of the Institution of Civil Engineers. He was one of the founding members of the Royal Geographical Society in 1830. Also in 1830, his son, James Wyld Jr., took over his publishing house. Wyld Sr. died of overwork on October 14, 1836.
James Wyld Jr. (1812-87) was a renowned cartographer in his own right and he successfully carried on his father’s business. He gained the title of Geographer to the Queen and H.R.H. Prince Albert. Punch (1850) described him in humorous cartographic terms, “If Mr. Wyld’s brain should be ever discovered (we will be bound he has a Map of it inside his hat), we should like to have a peep at it, for we have a suspicion that the two hemispheres must be printed, varnished, and glazed, exactly like a pair of globes.”