"Les Vignobles De France -- Vins d'Alsace," crafted by the esteemed French artist Remy Hetreau in 1954, is a splendid example of mid-20th-century cartographic artistry. This map, part of a series commissioned by the Comité National de Propagande en Faveur du Vin, vividly illustrates the wine-producing regions of Alsace. Hetreau, renowned for his etchings and engravings, brings a unique blend of artistic finesse and detailed geographical representation to this work. The map not only serves as a promotional tool for the French wine industry but also as a captivating piece of art that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Alsace.
The map's design is both intricate and vibrant, featuring clusters of grapes in red and yellow to denote the regions producing red and white wines, respectively. Surrounding the map are decorative elements such as a compass rose, a sailing vessel, and a chateau, which add to its aesthetic appeal. Illustrations of storks, traditional Alsatian architecture, and wine-related motifs like barrels and wine glasses further enrich the visual narrative. The inclusion of coats of arms and vine leaves interwoven with the map's layout underscores the deep connection between the region's identity and its viticultural tradition.
Alsace, a region known for its picturesque landscapes and historic significance, is meticulously detailed in this map. It highlights the borders of the Vosges and Alsace regions, providing a clear geographical context. The map also features a variety of towns and cities, each a gem in the Alsatian crown, from the bustling Strasbourg to the charming Colmar. The detailed depiction of these settlements offers a glimpse into the region's diverse and rich history, making the map not just a guide for wine enthusiasts but also a historical document.
The creation of this map in the post-World War II era adds another layer of historical significance. It represents a period when France was actively promoting its cultural and economic assets to revive its industries. The Comité National de Propagande en Faveur du Vin's initiative to commission such maps was part of a broader effort to boost tourism and celebrate French craftsmanship. Hetreau's work, therefore, is not just a map but a symbol of resilience and cultural pride, encapsulating the spirit of an era.
Remy Hetreau's legacy as an artist and designer is evident in every detail of this map. Known for his work in various mediums, including murals and china designs, Hetreau's versatility and artistic vision shine through. His ability to blend artistic beauty with functional cartography makes this map a valuable addition to any collection. It stands as a testament to his skill and the enduring allure of Alsace's wine regions, inviting viewers to explore and appreciate the rich tapestry of history and culture that it represents.
Cities and towns on this map
- Strasbourg
- Mulhouse
- Colmar
- Sélestat
- Thann
- Guebwiller
- Ribeauvillé
- Rouffach
- Turckheim
- Bergheim
- Riquewihr
- Kaysersberg
- Ammerschwihr
- Eguisheim
- Niedermorschwihr
- Bennwihr
- Sigolsheim
- Hunawihr
- Mittelwihr
- Zellenberg
- Beblenheim
- Obermorschwihr
- Hattstatt
- Voegtlinshoffen
- Oberhergheim
- Herrlisheim
- Husseren-les-Châteaux
- Pfaffenheim
- Westhalten
- Soultzmatt
- Orschwihr
- Bergholtz
- Bergholtz-Zell
- Buhl
- Saint-Hippolyte
- Rodern
- Rorschwihr
- Kintzheim
- Orschwiller
- Châtenois
- Scherwiller
- Dambach-la-Ville
- Dieffenthal
- Blienschwiller
- Nothalten
- Itterswiller
- Epfig
- Mittelbergheim
- Andlau
- Barr
- Heiligenstein
- Gertwiller
- Goxwiller
- Obernai
- Niedernai
- Meistratzheim
- Krautergersheim
- Bernardswiller
- Rosheim
- Molsheim
- Avolsheim
- Dorlisheim
- Ergersheim
- Soultz-les-Bains
- Marlenheim
- Wangen
- Traenheim
- Balbronn
- Bergbieten
- Dangolsheim
- Scharrarbergheim
- Westhoffen
- Kirchheim
- Osthoffen
- Achenheim
- Wolfisheim
- Oberschaeffolsheim
- Hangenbieten
- Holtzheim
- Lingolsheim
- Illkirch-Graffenstaden
- Geispolsheim
- Fegersheim
- Eschau
- Plobsheim
- Nordhouse
- Erstein
- Duttlenheim
- Duppigheim
- Entzheim
- Innenheim
- Griesheim-près-Molsheim
- Altorf
- Kolbsheim
- Mollkirch
- Still
- Heiligenberg
- Gresswiller
- Mutzig
- Wolxheim
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Compass rose
- Clusters of grapes (red and yellow)
- Sailing vessel
- Chateau
- Illustrations of storks
- Coats of arms
- Wine barrels
- Vine leaves and vines
- Illustrations of wine glasses and bottles
- Depiction of a wine harvester
- Illustration of a church
- Illustrations of traditional Alsatian architecture
- Map legend indicating wine types
- Borders of Vosges and Alsace regions
- Illustrative typography and calligraphy
- Decorative scrolls and banners
- Illustrations of wine regions with grape clusters
- Artistic depiction of a vineyard scene
- Illustration of a traditional wine press
- Decorative elements surrounding the map
Historical and design context
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Name of the map: Les Vignobles De France -- Vins d'Alsace (The Vineyards of France -- Wines of Alsace)
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Date of creation: 1954
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Mapmaker/Publisher: Remy Hetreau
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About the mapmaker: Remy Hetreau was a French artist, printmaker, illustrator, and designer known for his etchings and engravings. He illustrated numerous books and created designs for Haviland Limoges china, painted murals, and designed international exhibitions of French technology.
- Topics and themes:
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Wine regions: The map highlights the major wine-producing regions of Alsace.
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Wine types: Red wines are indicated with red grape clusters and white wines with yellow grape clusters.
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Promotional purpose: The map was part of a series promoting French wines and tourism.
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Series: This map is one of a series of 11 maps titled Les Vignobles de France, commissioned by the Comité National de Propagande en Faveur du Vin.
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Countries and regions shown: Alsace region of France
- Design and style:
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Pictorial elements: Includes a compass rose, grapes on the vine, a sailing vessel, and a chateau.
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Artistic features: Incorporates vibrant illustrations and thematic elements related to wine and Alsace.
- Historical significance:
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Promotion of French wine industry: The map was used to advertise French wines and tourism, reflecting the cultural and economic importance of wine in France.
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Post-war France: Created in the post-World War II era, it represents efforts to revive and promote French industries.
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 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) 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.