1950 Vezelay Pictorial Map of Burgundy (Bourgogne) Wine Region, France

This is a beautiful c. 1950 pictorial map of the Bourgogne (Burgundy) wine region of France.

Bourgogne's Wine Producing Areas

The map depicts the region around the Yonne River, Auxerre, and Chablis, as well as the region from the Ouche River and Dijon, along with the Saône River south past Macon to Lyon. At the center lies an illustration of wine growing areas within Bourgogne. A key along the left border specifies which color corresponds with each wine. Above the key are explanations of the terms associated Burgundy wines. The wines produced here include Auxerre, Chablis, Hautes Côtes de Nuits, Côtes de Nuits, Hautes Côtes de Beaune, Côtes de Beaune, Mercurey, Maconnais, and Beaujolais.

Celebrated Burgundians

The map is surrounded by portraits of Bourgogne luminaries: Jacques Amyot, a renowned Renaissance translator of works by Plato and the Bishop of Auxerre; Restif de la Bretonne, a French novelist who wrote a famous account of Paris during the French Revolution; Colette, a 20th century French novelist, who was the second woman to be elected a member of the Goncourt Academy; and Sébastien Le Prestre, marquis de Vauban, who is celebrated for creating a system of citadels in eastern France, which today are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Occupying the top-center, the crest of Bourgogne is flanked by the phrase, 'A la gloire de Monseigneur le Vin de Bourgogne qui fait trinquer le monde à la santé de la France', which roughly translates to, 'To the glory of the wines of Bourgogne with which the world toasts the health of France'. A fantastic border comprising snails, vines, grapes, and leaves complete the aesthetic.

Publication History and Census

This map appears to be unsigned, but the initials 'RM' to the right of the title cartouche is likely the artist. It is also undated but bears the imprint 'Proprieté de Vogade Vezelay Reproduction Interdite' in the bottom-right margin. Unfortunately, our research has been unable to discover anything concerning Vogade Vezelay. We have encountered one other example of this piece which lacked the Vezelay imprint. Thus, due to several different factors, such as the paper and printing process, we have dated this map as c. 1950.