Rare Old Pictorial Map of North & Central America by Liozu, 1951: Major Cities, Wildlife, USA, Caribbean

Created by the esteemed cartographer Jacques Liozu in 1951, "Amérique du Nord et Centrale" is a vibrant and meticulously detailed pictorial map that captures the essence of North and Central America. Liozu, renowned for his thematic and illustrative maps, has crafted a masterpiece that not only serves as a geographical guide but also as a cultural and historical artifact. This map provides a snapshot of the mid-20th century, reflecting the contemporary understanding and artistic representation of the regions it covers.

The map is a visual feast, depicting countries, regions, major cities, industries, agriculture, Indian settlements, and wildlife with remarkable clarity and artistic flair. The decorative title cartouche, adorned with illustrations of native wildlife, sets the tone for the map's rich thematic content. Each element, from bustling cities like San Francisco and New York to the serene agricultural landscapes, is illustrated with a keen eye for detail, making the map both informative and aesthetically pleasing.

One of the standout features of this map is its use of vibrant colors and detailed illustrations to convey information. The decorative compass rose, oriented with the north to the upper margin, adds a touch of elegance and helps in navigation. The relief is shown pictorially, with mountain ranges like the Rocky Mountains depicted in a stylized manner that enhances the map's visual appeal. This illustrative style is a hallmark of Liozu's work, blending cartographic precision with artistic expression.

The map also delves into the cultural and historical aspects of the regions it covers. Indian settlements are depicted with traditional imagery, providing a glimpse into the indigenous cultures of North and Central America. Wildlife illustrations, including bears, moose, and birds, add another layer of depth, highlighting the rich biodiversity of these regions. The inclusion of industries and agriculture, such as oil rigs and farming, reflects the economic landscape of the time, making the map a valuable historical document.

In addition to its geographical and cultural content, "Amérique du Nord et Centrale" is a testament to the cartographic artistry of the early 1950s. The decorative borders and the use of vibrant colors make it a striking piece of art, suitable for display in any collection. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a cartography aficionado, or an art lover, this map offers a unique and captivating glimpse into the world as seen through the eyes of Jacques Liozu.

Countries and regions on this map

• North America:
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Alaska
• Greenland
• Central America:
• Guatemala
• El Salvador
• Honduras
• Nicaragua
• Costa Rica
• Panama
• Belize
• Cuba
• Haiti
• Dominican Republic

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset maps or additional illustrations:
• Decorative title cartouche with wildlife illustrations.
• Decorative compass rose.
• Bodies of water:
• Ocean Pacifique (Pacific Ocean)
• Ocean Atlantique (Atlantic Ocean)
• Golfe du Mexique (Gulf of Mexico)
• Mountain ranges:
• Rocky Mountains (depicted pictorially)
• Sea, road, and rail routes:
• Various sea routes indicated by ship illustrations.
• Other interesting features:
• Illustrations of wildlife, such as bears, moose, and birds.
• Depictions of agriculture and industry, like oil rigs and farming.
• Indian settlements illustrated with traditional imagery.
• Major cities like San Francisco, Chicago, New York, and Mexico City labeled and illustrated.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Amérique du Nord et Centrale
• Date created: 1951
• Mapmaker or publisher: Jacques Liozu
• Jacques Liozu was known for creating thematic and pictorial maps.
• Topics and themes:
• The map covers geographical, industrial, agricultural, and cultural aspects of North and Central America.
• It highlights Indian settlements and wildlife, providing a historical and cultural context.
• Design or style:
• The map features a decorative and illustrative style, common in pictorial maps.
• The use of vibrant colors and detailed illustrations enhances the thematic elements.
• Historical significance:
• The map provides a snapshot of North and Central America in the early 1950s.
• It reflects the contemporary understanding and artistic representation of geography and culture.

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.