Old Pictorial Map of North & Central America by Liozu, 1951: Major Cities, Wildlife, USA, Caribbean

Created by the esteemed cartographer Jacques Liozu in 1951, "Amérique du Nord et Centrale" is a vibrant and meticulously detailed pictorial map that captures the essence of North and Central America. Liozu, renowned for his thematic and illustrative maps, has crafted a masterpiece that not only serves as a geographical guide but also as a cultural and historical artifact. This map provides a snapshot of the mid-20th century, reflecting the contemporary understanding and artistic representation of the regions it covers.

The map is a visual feast, depicting countries, regions, major cities, industries, agriculture, Indian settlements, and wildlife with remarkable clarity and artistic flair. The decorative title cartouche, adorned with illustrations of native wildlife, sets the tone for the map's rich thematic content. Each element, from bustling cities like San Francisco and New York to the serene agricultural landscapes, is illustrated with a keen eye for detail, making the map both informative and aesthetically pleasing.

One of the standout features of this map is its use of vibrant colors and detailed illustrations to convey information. The decorative compass rose, oriented with the north to the upper margin, adds a touch of elegance and helps in navigation. The relief is shown pictorially, with mountain ranges like the Rocky Mountains depicted in a stylized manner that enhances the map's visual appeal. This illustrative style is a hallmark of Liozu's work, blending cartographic precision with artistic expression.

The map also delves into the cultural and historical aspects of the regions it covers. Indian settlements are depicted with traditional imagery, providing a glimpse into the indigenous cultures of North and Central America. Wildlife illustrations, including bears, moose, and birds, add another layer of depth, highlighting the rich biodiversity of these regions. The inclusion of industries and agriculture, such as oil rigs and farming, reflects the economic landscape of the time, making the map a valuable historical document.

In addition to its geographical and cultural content, "Amérique du Nord et Centrale" is a testament to the cartographic artistry of the early 1950s. The decorative borders and the use of vibrant colors make it a striking piece of art, suitable for display in any collection. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a cartography aficionado, or an art lover, this map offers a unique and captivating glimpse into the world as seen through the eyes of Jacques Liozu.

Countries and regions on this map

• North America:
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Alaska
• Greenland
• Central America:
• Guatemala
• El Salvador
• Honduras
• Nicaragua
• Costa Rica
• Panama
• Belize
• Cuba
• Haiti
• Dominican Republic

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset maps or additional illustrations:
• Decorative title cartouche with wildlife illustrations.
• Decorative compass rose.
• Bodies of water:
• Ocean Pacifique (Pacific Ocean)
• Ocean Atlantique (Atlantic Ocean)
• Golfe du Mexique (Gulf of Mexico)
• Mountain ranges:
• Rocky Mountains (depicted pictorially)
• Sea, road, and rail routes:
• Various sea routes indicated by ship illustrations.
• Other interesting features:
• Illustrations of wildlife, such as bears, moose, and birds.
• Depictions of agriculture and industry, like oil rigs and farming.
• Indian settlements illustrated with traditional imagery.
• Major cities like San Francisco, Chicago, New York, and Mexico City labeled and illustrated.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Amérique du Nord et Centrale
• Date created: 1951
• Mapmaker or publisher: Jacques Liozu
• Jacques Liozu was known for creating thematic and pictorial maps.
• Topics and themes:
• The map covers geographical, industrial, agricultural, and cultural aspects of North and Central America.
• It highlights Indian settlements and wildlife, providing a historical and cultural context.
• Design or style:
• The map features a decorative and illustrative style, common in pictorial maps.
• The use of vibrant colors and detailed illustrations enhances the thematic elements.
• Historical significance:
• The map provides a snapshot of North and Central America in the early 1950s.
• It reflects the contemporary understanding and artistic representation of geography and culture.

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 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.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

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 and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) 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).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

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, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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 and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

Alcune delle mie vecchie mappe sono ora disponibili come tele incorniciate. Per favore contattami se desideri ordinare una dimensione che non è disponibile nel mio negozio.

Le vecchie mappe su tela sono un'alternativa interessante alle mappe incorniciate in modo convenzionale. A seconda del tuo gusto personale e dell'arredamento della stanza, le mappe su tela possono "risaltare" un po' di più rispetto a una mappa incorniciata.

Scopri di più sulle mie mappe su tela incorniciate.

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.

Se non sei soddisfatto del tuo ordine per qualsiasi motivo, contattami per un rimborso senza problemi. Si prega di consultare la nostra politica di reso e rimborso per ulteriori informazioni.

Sono molto sicuro che ti piacerà la tua mappa restaurata o la stampa d'arte. Lo faccio dal 1984. Sono un venditore Etsy a 5 stelle. Ho venduto decine di migliaia di mappe e stampe d'arte e ho oltre 5.000 recensioni reali a 5 stelle.

Utilizzo un processo unico per restaurare mappe e opere d'arte che richiede molto tempo e lavoro. Trovare le mappe e le illustrazioni originali può richiedere mesi. Utilizzo tecnologia all'avanguardia e incredibilmente costosa per scannerizzare e restaurarle. Di conseguenza, garantisco che le mie mappe e stampe d'arte siano superiori alle altre - ecco perché posso offrire un rimborso senza problemi.

Quasi tutte le mie mappe e stampe d'arte sembrano fantastiche a grandi dimensioni (200 cm, 6,5 piedi+) e posso anche incorniciarle e consegnarle a te, tramite un corriere speciale per oggetti di grandi dimensioni. Contattami per discutere delle tue esigenze specifiche.