Rare Old Pictorial Map of Western Europe by Liozu, 1951: Post-WWII Era, Illustrated Landmarks, Culture, Flags

Step into the vibrant world of mid-20th century Europe with "Europe Occidentale," a captivating pictorial map created by the esteemed cartographer Jacques Liozu in 1951. This exquisite map offers a rich tapestry of Western Europe, reflecting the cultural and economic revival post-World War II. Liozu, renowned for his thematic and whimsical cartographic style, masterfully combines geographical accuracy with artistic flair, making this map not only a navigational tool but also a visual delight.

The map beautifully illustrates the diverse landscapes and industries that define Western Europe. From the bustling cities of Paris and London to the serene countryside of Spain and Italy, each region is depicted with meticulous detail. The map highlights key industries such as fishing in Norway, wine production in France, and bullfighting in Spain, offering a snapshot of the economic activities that shaped the era. Wildlife illustrations, including reindeer in Norway and bulls in Spain, add a charming touch, bringing the map to life.

Liozu's artistic prowess is evident in the map's design and style. The decorative title cartouche, adorned with floral and wildlife elements, sets the tone for the map's whimsical aesthetic. The borders, festooned with the flags of the depicted countries, add a vibrant frame, while the decorative compass rose, oriented with the north at the upper margin, enhances the map's navigational charm. The use of color and illustrative elements creates a dynamic and engaging visual experience, inviting viewers to explore every detail.

The map's historical significance is profound, capturing a moment in time when Europe was rebuilding and redefining itself. The post-war era saw significant economic and cultural shifts, and this map serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of the European nations. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and economic landscape of Western Europe in the early 1950s, making it a valuable artifact for historians and collectors alike.

"Europe Occidentale" is more than just a map; it is a piece of history, a work of art, and a celebration of European heritage. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a history enthusiast, this map offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of the past. Its blend of geographical precision and artistic expression makes it a timeless treasure, perfect for adding a touch of elegance and historical intrigue to any collection.

Countries and regions on this map

• Countries:
• France
• Spain (Espagne)
• Portugal
• United Kingdom (Angleterre)
• Ireland (Irlande)
• Germany (Allemagne)
• Italy (Italie)
• Switzerland (Suisse)
• Belgium (Belgique)
• Netherlands (Hollande)
• Norway (Norvège)
• Sweden (Suède)
• Denmark (Danemark)
• Austria (Autriche)

• Monaco

• Regions:

• Western Europe (Europe Occidentale)
• Mediterranean region (Mer Méditerranée)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset maps or additional illustrations:
• Decorative title cartouche with floral and wildlife elements.
• Decorative compass rose.
• Bodies of water:
• Mer Du Nord (North Sea)
• Mer Méditerranée (Mediterranean Sea)
• Mountain ranges:
• The Alps are illustrated in the region of Switzerland and Northern Italy.
• Sea, road, and rail routes:
• Major cities are connected by illustrative routes, indicating travel and trade connections.
• Other interesting features:
• Illustrations of local industries, such as fishing in Norway and wine production in France.
• Wildlife illustrations, such as reindeer in Norway and bulls in Spain.
• Historical and cultural annotations, such as landmarks and traditional costumes.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Europe Occidentale
• Date of creation: 1951
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Jacques Liozu
• Jacques Liozu was known for creating thematic and pictorial maps that often included whimsical and illustrative elements.
• Themes and topics:
• The map includes themes of geography, industry, agriculture, and wildlife.
• It provides a visual representation of Western European cultural and economic activities during the mid-20th century.
• Design and style:
• The map has a whimsical and illustrative style.
• It includes colorful illustrations representing various aspects of each country.
• The borders are decorated with flags of the countries depicted.
• Historical significance:
• The map reflects the post-World War II era in Europe, highlighting the rebuilding and economic activities of the time.
• It serves as a historical artifact showing the perception and cultural representation of Western Europe in the early 1950s.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.