1881 Sahib Pictorial Map of Provinces of Prostitution in the Country of Love

This is an 1881 Sahib pictorial map of the provinces of prostitution in the country of love. Published in the December 24, 1881 issue of La Vie Parisienne, the map depicts the provinces of Haute Bicherie 'fashionable prostitution' and Basse Bicherie (roughly translates to 'whoredom'). The entire map of the Pays du Tendre is shaped more or less like France, with New-Cythère, the capital of the Pays du Tendre placed roughly in the same location as Paris. Cythère, in mythology, is the island where Aphrodite appears after she is born from the sea. This mythology is referenced in the iconography used on the map, since there is a very beautiful woman illustrated right next to New-Cythère and a cherub with a bow and arrow, probably a reference to Eros, the Greek god of love, who was Aphrodite's son.

Haute Bicherie and Basse Bicherie

Haute Bicherie is next to the province of Théâtre which in itself is a commentary on the creator's opinion of the relationship between the theater and prostitution. New-Cythère is situated right where Théâtre and Haute Bicherie meet and near the confluence of Le. Tendre Fleuve and La Veine Rivière. Numerous cities and towns are identified throughout both provinces, most of which are not easily translated, as the whole map is written in French argot, or slang. One such town near the top border, La Cravache, is, however, translatable and means 'the whip', which makes perfect sense when the vignette is considered with the town. Next to La Cravache is Lettres anonymes (Anonymous Letters), which is followed by Le Cirque, (Circus). The Grand Chic Railway connects Haute Bicherie and Basse Bicherie, which is, as the name suggests, much less classy. Towns like Lapinville (Bunnyville), Brasserie, and Le Cancan abound, with the Absinthe River and the 'Needy-man' River running into the bay. The Golfe des Tompin (The Vulgar Gulf) and the Bancs d'Huitres (Bank of Oysters) are situated off the coast with a mermaid. These two themes are reinforced by the vignette of the very elegant woman in the upper right corner in contrast with the woman lying on the floor playing cards and smoking a cigarette.

Publication History and Census

This map was created by an artist known as Sahib and engraved by Yves and Barret for La Vie Parisienne and published in the December 24, 1881 issue. We have been unable to locate any other known examples.