Rare Old Pictorial Map of South America by Liozu, 1951: Industries & Wildlife, Brazil, Argentina, Chile

Step back in time with the exquisite "Amerique du Sud," a captivating pictorial map crafted by the talented Jacques Liozu in 1951. This map offers a vibrant portrayal of South America, blending geographical accuracy with artistic flair. Liozu, renowned for his thematic and pictorial maps, has meticulously illustrated the continent, highlighting its diverse cultures, industries, and natural beauty. The map serves as a visual narrative of South America in the mid-20th century, providing a rich tapestry of information and artistry.

The map's design is a feast for the eyes, featuring a decorative title cartouche and borders adorned with colorful ribbons that list the names of South American countries. A beautifully illustrated compass rose, oriented with the north to the upper margin, adds a touch of elegance and functionality. The relief is shown pictorially, giving the map a three-dimensional feel that brings the varied landscapes of South America to life. From the towering Andes to the sprawling Amazon Rainforest, every element is depicted with care and precision.

Liozu's map is not just a geographical representation but a thematic exploration of South America's economic and cultural landscape. It vividly depicts major cities, industries, and agricultural activities, offering insights into the continent's vibrant economy. Indian settlements and diverse wildlife are also prominently featured, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and natural diversity of the region. This thematic focus provides a unique window into the life and times of South America in the early 1950s.

The artistic style of "Amerique du Sud" is both informative and visually appealing. The use of vibrant colors and detailed illustrations makes the map a work of art in its own right. Ships sailing the seas, farmers tending to their crops, and miners extracting resources are all depicted with a level of detail that is both educational and enchanting. This blend of artistry and information makes the map a perfect addition to any collection, offering both aesthetic pleasure and historical insight.

Historically, this map is significant as it captures a moment in time when South America was undergoing significant changes. The mid-20th century was a period of economic growth and cultural development for many South American countries, and Liozu's map reflects this dynamic era. It serves as a historical document, preserving the knowledge and perceptions of the time. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a cartography aficionado, or an art lover, "Amerique du Sud" is a treasure that offers endless fascination and beauty.

Countries and regions on this map

• Countries:
• Venezuela
• Colombia
• Ecuador
• Peru
• Brazil
• Bolivia
• Paraguay
• Argentina
• Uruguay
• Chile
• Suriname
• Guyana
• French Guiana
• Regions:
• The Amazon Rainforest
• The Andes Mountains
• Continent:
• South America

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset maps or additional illustrations:
• Decorative title cartouche with wildlife illustrations.
• Decorative compass rose.
• Bodies of water:
• Surrounding oceans depicted.
• Mountain ranges:
• Andes Mountains (depicted pictorially).
• Sea, road, and rail routes:
• Various sea routes illustrated with ships.
• Other interesting features:
• Illustrations of wildlife such as birds, a jaguar, and an armadillo.
• Depictions of agricultural activities and industries, such as farming and mining.
• Illustrations of people representing different cultures and activities.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Amerique du Sud
• Date of creation: 1951
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Jacques Liozu
• Liozu was known for creating thematic and pictorial maps that combine artistic elements with geographic information.
• Topics and themes:
• Highlights various industries and agricultural activities in South America.
• Shows the locations of Indian settlements and various types of wildlife.
• Provides insights into the economic and cultural aspects of South America during the mid-20th century.
• Design and style:
• Designed in a pictorial style with vibrant colors and illustrations.
• Decorative elements such as the compass rose and title cartouche add to its artistic appeal.
• Borders adorned with colorful ribbons featuring the names of South American countries.
• Historical significance:
• Provides a snapshot of South America's geography, industry, and culture as understood in 1951.
• Reflects the cartographic style and thematic focus of mid-20th-century mapmaking.

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.