Old Pictorial World Map by Liozu, 1951: Artistic Illustrations, Heraldic, Post-WWII

This beautiful pictorial world map by Jacques Liozu, created in 1951, is a captivating piece of cartographic art that transports viewers to a post-World War II era of renewed global exploration and cultural exchange. Liozu, renowned for his detailed and artistic maps, has masterfully combined thematic elements with rich illustrations to create a visually stunning representation of the world. This map is not merely a geographical tool but a celebration of the world's diverse cultures, natural wonders, and historical heritage.

The map's design is a testament to Liozu's artistic prowess, featuring vibrant colors and intricate illustrations that adorn the continents and oceans. Unlike conventional maps, it does not label individual countries or cities, focusing instead on broader geographical features such as continents and oceans. This approach allows the viewer to appreciate the thematic and pictorial elements that bring the map to life, from depictions of wildlife and cultural scenes to historical vignettes and mythical creatures.

One of the most striking features of this map is its decorative border, which includes heraldic figures and coats of arms representing major cities. These elements add a touch of nobility and grandeur, highlighting the historical significance of the locations depicted. The coats of arms, along with the detailed illustrations of ships, animals, and cultural scenes, provide a rich tapestry of visual information that invites viewers to explore and discover the world's wonders.

The map also features a beautifully illustrated compass rose at its center, a nod to the age-old tradition of navigation and exploration. This central element, along with the illustrated sea routes and mountain ranges, underscores the map's dual function as both an artistic masterpiece and a practical guide to the world's geography. The inclusion of various oceans, such as the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic, and Antarctic, further enhances its educational value.

Historically, this map holds a significant place as it reflects the optimism and curiosity of the early 1950s. It serves as a reminder of a time when the world was becoming increasingly interconnected, and the spirit of discovery was alive and well. Jacques Liozu's world map is not just a map; it is a window into a bygone era, offering a unique blend of art, history, and geography that continues to captivate and inspire.

Countries and regions on this map

• Continents:
• Amerique du Nord (North America)
• Amerique Centrale (Central America)
• Amerique du Sud (South America)
• Europe
• Afrique (Africa)
• Asie (Asia)
• Australie (Australia)
• Antarctica (Antarctica)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Smaller inset maps or additional illustrations:
• Decorative illustrations surrounding the map, including heraldic figures and coats of arms.
• Illustrations of ships, animals, and cultural scenes within the map.
• Bodies of water:
• Oceans:
  • Ocean Atlantique (Atlantic Ocean)
  • Ocean Pacifique (Pacific Ocean)
  • Ocean Indien (Indian Ocean)
  • Ocean Glacial Arctique (Arctic Ocean)
  • Ocean Glacial Antarctique (Antarctic Ocean)
• Mountain ranges:
• Illustrated mountain ranges depicted in various continents.
• Sea, road, and rail routes:
• Illustrated sea routes with ships.
• Other interesting features:
• Compass rose in the center of the map.
• Decorative border with mythical creatures and heraldic figures.
• Coats of arms for various major cities along the top and bottom of the map.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: World Map
• Date of creation: 1951
• Mapmaker or publisher: Jacques Liozu
• Interesting context about the mapmaker: Jacques Liozu was known for creating detailed and artistic maps, often incorporating thematic elements and illustrations to enhance the visual and educational appeal.
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• Thematic elements: The map incorporates various themes, including historical, cultural, and geographical illustrations.
• Pictorial elements: Illustrated scenes depict different aspects of life, nature, and culture across the world.
• Design or style of the map: The map features a pictorial and thematic design with artistic illustrations, coats of arms, and decorative elements.
• Historical significance or context: Created in the post-World War II era, the map reflects a period of renewed interest in global exploration, cultural exchange, and artistic cartography.

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 24x36in (60x90cm) 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.

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.

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 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.