Rare Old Map of North and French Colonial Africa by Boucher, 1945: Casablanca, Algiers, Dakar, Sahara

Discover the captivating artistry of Lucien Boucher with the "Crédit Lyonnais Fondé En 1863 Afrique du Nord Union Française" map, a remarkable piece of mid-20th-century cartography. Created around 1945, this map is a testament to Boucher's distinctive style, blending vibrant colors and intricate illustrations to depict the former French colonies in Africa. As France sought to reassert its economic influence post-World War II, this map served as both a promotional tool for Crédit Lyonnais and a celebration of the rich resources and industries across the continent.

Lucien Boucher, renowned for his work with Air France, brings his artistic flair to this map, highlighting the diverse economic opportunities in the French colonies. From gold mining in the Sahara to the lush agricultural landscapes of West Africa, Boucher's illustrations capture the essence of these regions. His attention to detail and ability to convey complex themes through art make this map a valuable piece for collectors and history enthusiasts alike.

The map's geographical scope includes North Africa and extends into the heart of West and Central Africa, showcasing key cities such as Casablanca, Algiers, and Dakar. Each city is depicted with unique illustrations that reflect its cultural and economic significance. The colonial borders and trade routes are elegantly illustrated, offering a glimpse into the geopolitical landscape of the era. This map not only serves as a historical document but also as a piece of art that tells the story of a pivotal time in history.

Boucher's work is distinguished by its thematic richness and visual appeal. The map features decorative elements such as a compass rose in the Atlantic Ocean and illustrations of ships and airplanes, symbolizing the trade and transport routes vital to the French colonial economy. The detailed depictions of local flora and fauna add an additional layer of interest, making this map a true masterpiece of pictorial cartography.

As a historical artifact, this map offers insights into France's colonial ambitions and the economic potential seen in its African territories. It stands as a reminder of the complex interplay between art, commerce, and history, encapsulating a period when maps were not only tools for navigation but also instruments of influence and power. Lucien Boucher's map is a stunning representation of this era, a must-have for any collector of historical maps or those fascinated by the art of cartography.

Cities and towns on this map

• Morocco
• Casablanca
• Rabat
• Algeria
• Algiers
• Oran
• Tunisia
• Tunis
• Senegal
• Dakar
• Ivory Coast
• Abidjan
• Other Regions
• Bamako (Mali)
• Niamey (Niger)
• Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)
• Conakry (Guinea)
• Douala (Cameroon)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations:
• Various industries such as gold mining, agriculture, and goat rearing.
• Depictions of local flora and fauna.
• Landmarks:
• Notable buildings and structures representing colonial influence.
• Bodies of Water:
• Atlantic Ocean
• Mediterranean Sea
• Borders:
• Colonial borders of French territories in Africa.
• Other Features:
• Decorative compass rose in the Atlantic Ocean.
• Ships and airplanes indicating trade and transport routes.

Historical and design context

• Creation Date: Circa 1945
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Lucien Boucher, printed by Perceval Paris
• Themes and Topics:
• Showcases former French colonies in Africa.
• Highlights diverse industries and resources, emphasizing economic potential.
• Reflects France’s post-World War II colonial aspirations and economic interests.
• Design/Style:
• Pictorial and thematic, with rich illustrations depicting industries such as gold mining and agriculture.
• Vibrant colors and detailed illustrations typical of Boucher’s style.
• Historical Significance:
• Represents France’s efforts to reestablish economic influence in Africa post-World War II.
• Offers insights into the colonial history and economic landscape of the period.

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 100in (250cm). 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.