Old Pictorial Map of Central and Eastern Europe by Liozu, 1951: Post-WWII, USSR, Turkey

"Europe Centrale et Orientale," crafted by the renowned Jacques Liozu in 1951, is a stunning pictorial map that captures the essence of Central and Eastern Europe during a pivotal era. Liozu, celebrated for his thematic and pictorial cartography, imbues this map with intricate details that reflect the cultural, industrial, and agricultural richness of the region. The map is a vibrant tapestry of nations, each illustrated with symbols of their unique contributions to the continent's economy and heritage. This map is not just a geographical representation but a visual narrative of post-World War II Europe, a period marked by reconstruction and transformation.

The map’s design is a testament to Liozu's artistic prowess, featuring a decorative title cartouche adorned with illustrations of native wildlife and flora. The borders are embellished with the flags and symbols of various countries, creating a frame that is both informative and visually appealing. The compass rose, oriented with the north to the upper left margin, is a work of art in itself, guiding the viewer through the map's intricate details. The pictorial relief, which uses illustrations to depict topographical features, adds a layer of depth and realism that is rarely seen in contemporary maps.

Liozu’s map is a rich tapestry of themes and topics, depicting not only the geographical boundaries of Central and Eastern Europe but also the industries and agricultural practices that define the region. From the bustling industrial hubs to the serene agricultural landscapes, every aspect of the region's economy is illustrated with meticulous detail. The map also highlights the diverse wildlife native to these areas, with charming illustrations of animals that add a touch of whimsy and authenticity.

Historically, this map is significant as it captures a snapshot of Europe during the early 1950s, a time of significant political and social change. The post-war era saw the redrawing of boundaries and the emergence of new political entities, all of which are reflected in Liozu's work. The map serves as a historical document, offering insights into the economic conditions and cultural landscapes of the time. It is a valuable resource for historians and collectors alike, providing a window into a transformative period in European history.

The map also features notable geographical elements, including major bodies of water such as the Barents Sea, Black Sea, Caspian Sea, Aegean Sea, Adriatic Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. Mountain ranges are illustrated with a pictorial relief that adds a three-dimensional quality to the map. Routes connecting major cities and regions are depicted, showcasing the intricate network of sea, road, and rail routes that facilitated trade and communication. The inclusion of historical notes and annotations in the form of illustrations further enriches the map, making it a compelling piece for anyone interested in the history and geography of Central and Eastern Europe.

Countries and regions on this map

• Countries:
• Greece
• Turkey
• Albania
• Yugoslavia
• Bulgaria
• Romania
• Hungary
• Poland
• Czechoslovakia
  
• USSR (Soviet Union)
• Finland
• Regions:
• Central Europe
• Eastern Europe

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset maps/Additional illustrations:
• Decorative title cartouche with illustrations of animals and plants
• Compass rose with artistic design
• Bodies of water:
• Mer De Barents (Barents Sea)
• Mer Noire (Black Sea)
• Mer Caspienne (Caspian Sea)
• Mer Egée (Aegean Sea)
• Mer Adriatique (Adriatic Sea)
• Mer Méditerranée (Mediterranean Sea)
• Mountain ranges:
• Illustrated mountain ranges throughout the map
• Sea, road, and rail routes:
• Illustrated routes connecting major cities and regions
• Other interesting features:
• Illustrations of people in traditional dress
• Depictions of various animals and agricultural activities
• Historical notes and annotations in the form of illustrations

Historical and design context

• Mapmaker/Publisher: Jacques Liozu
• Jacques Liozu was known for creating thematic and pictorial maps that often included detailed and artistic representations of various regions.
• Date made: 1951
• Design/Style:
• Artistic and Decorative: The map features artistic illustrations and decorative elements
• Pictorial Relief: Uses illustrations to show topographical features
• Border Design: Includes flags and symbols of various countries
• Historical significance/context:
• Post-World War II Era: The map was created in the early 1950s, a period marked by significant political and social changes in Europe following World War II. The depiction of industries and agriculture reflects the economic conditions of the time.

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.

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.